Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 1595: An Act enabling trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1595) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to enable trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables school personnel to administer life-saving epinephrine for allergic reactions, improving emergency health access in schools as part of public health. Directly expands healthcare service access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2209: An Act establishing a special commission on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including but not limited to investigation of PTSD caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic

HD 3545 establishes a 19-member commission within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Health and Human Services to address PTSD. The commission, including experts, veterans' groups, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations, will research PTSD causes (specifically pandemic-related cases), monitor care access, and develop annual strategic plans to improve diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness. Key provisions require the commission to publish yearly reports on research advances, care access, and progress on its strategic plan to the Governor and legislature. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents with PTSD by creating a structured effort to evaluate and enhance care systems for the condition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates commission to investigate PTSD (mental health), directly addressing mental health services under healthcare topic, aligning with support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 2, 2025

S 946: An Act creating a scholarship fund to increase the number of medical providers who are knowledgeable in autism

This bill establishes a scholarship fund to train more medical professionals in autism care. It provides three annual scholarships: one for a University of Massachusetts medical school student, one for a state-run/public nursing student, and one for a state-run/public dentistry student. Eligible students must be studying autism-related topics or plan to work with autistic individuals after graduation. The program directly affects students in these specific state-supported health education programs by subsidizing their training to address a shortage of autism-specialized providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates scholarship fund to increase autism-specialized medical providers, directly improving healthcare access and provider expertise in a critical health area.90% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 24, 2025

H 2723: An Act relative to American Sign Language training

HD 75 requires basic American Sign Language (ASL) training for public safety personnel. It mandates that fire service, police, and ambulance service training programs include ASL courses to enable basic communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The bill also establishes that approved ASL courses can count toward required continuing education credits for these professionals. This legislation directly affects firefighters, police officers, and ambulance service staff by integrating ASL proficiency into their standard training and certification requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides ASL training for emergency medical personnel to improve communication with deaf patients, enhancing patient access in healthcare settings.85% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 7, 2025

H 4357: An Act relative to toxic free kids

H 4357 prohibits manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers from knowingly selling children's products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. It directly affects companies producing or selling items for children 12 and under, including toys, clothing, school supplies, and car seats (excluding specific items like food, medical devices, and certain electronics). The bill requires PFAS levels to be measured using total organic fluorine at thresholds set by the Department of Environmental Protection, with no de minimis level allowed for engineered nanoobjects. This creates a concrete ban on PFAS in children's products, focusing on measurable chemical limits rather than speculative outcomes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS chemicals in children's products, reducing environmental pollution and protecting ecosystems from persistent toxic chemicals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits PFAS in children's products to prevent health risks, directly protecting public health through toxic exposure reduction in vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 20, 2026

H 4425: An Act relative to Medicare coverage of end-stage renal disease

By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Thomas M. Stanley relative to Medicare coverage of end-stage renal disease. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to expand Medicare coverage for end-stage renal disease treatment, directly improving patient access to essential healthcare services and aligning with funding/support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 4119: An Act establishing an emergency medical services licensure compact

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4119) of Leigh Davis for legislation to establish an emergency medical services licensure compact. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes EMS licensure compact to enable cross-state practice, improving access to emergency medical services and supporting EMS professionals. Directly advances healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 31, 2025

S 2561: An Act to promote student learning and mental health

The committee on Senate Ways and Means to whom was referred the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2549), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2561).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly promotes student learning and mental health, directly advancing educational outcomes. Committee recommends passage with amendment, indicating clear supportive intent for student well-being and learning programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly promotes mental health services for students, directly aligning with healthcare's mental health focus through advancement of services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2422: An Act relative to Parkinson's Disease public awareness and education

This bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to create a public awareness program about Parkinson's disease, developed with the American Parkinson Disease Association. It mandates the department to produce and distribute bilingual (English/Spanish) educational booklets covering disease causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle management to healthcare facilities, professionals, and the public. The bill also directs the department to develop training for police, firefighters, and other public safety personnel to recognize symptoms and respond appropriately. Additionally, it requires the department to maintain and publicly share a non-endorsed list of local providers offering Parkinson's diagnosis and treatment services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes Department of Public Health to establish Parkinson's awareness/education program, advancing public health education within healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 29, 2025

H 163: An Act to Modernize the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 163) of David M. Rogers relative to the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareModernizes medical marijuana program, improving patient access to legal cannabis treatment as part of healthcare services.90% confidence

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