Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 1519: An Act relative to medical records requests

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1519) of Peter J. Durant and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to medical records requests. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables patient access to medical records, enhancing transparency and rights within healthcare system95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 2505: An Act relative to end of life options

HD 2540 creates a legal process for terminally ill Massachusetts residents to request medication for a peaceful death. It requires patients to be mentally capable adults with a terminal diagnosis (expected death within 6 months), prove Massachusetts residency, and complete a 15-day waiting period after an initial oral request. The process involves two physicians confirming the diagnosis and mental capacity, plus two non-family witnesses verifying the patient’s voluntary participation. Patients with legal guardians are excluded, and the bill explicitly does not affect existing hospice or palliative care options.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes physicians to prescribe medical aid in dying, expanding patient access to end-of-life healthcare options under public health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 79: An Act further defining eligibility for medical use marijuana

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 79) of Ryan C. Fattman, Michael J. Soter and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to further define eligibility for medical use marijuana. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDefines medical marijuana eligibility, improving patient access to healthcare treatment under cannabis policy.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 10, 2025

H 716: An Act relative to improving mental health in schools

This bill appears to be a draft in progress with no substantive text or specific provisions provided in the available context. The title suggests it aims to improve mental health services in schools, but details about affected parties (e.g., students, schools, staff), key mechanisms, or concrete policy changes are not included. Without completed text or a functional summary, no specific policy changes or implementation details can be described. As a draft under review by House Counsel, its final content and scope remain undetermined.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes school counselors for mental health support, directly enhancing student well-being and educational access within K-12 systems95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes school adjustment counselors to improve mental health access, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1517: An Act banning artificial fluoridation schemes

By Mr. Durant (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1517) of Julie Farrell, for legislation to ban artificial fluoridation schemes. Public Health.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBanning artificial fluoridation restricts a public health initiative (water fluoridation) aimed at preventing dental issues, directly opposing community health programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 2563: An Act establishing the dentist and dental hygienist compact

HD 1446 establishes the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists in participating states to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This "compact privilege" eliminates redundant licensing requirements, promotes workforce mobility (especially for military members and spouses), and creates a streamlined process for cross-state practice. The compact requires practitioners to follow each state's scope of practice rules and enables states to share disciplinary information and monitor licensure. It directly affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work across state lines and aims to improve public access to dental services in underserved areas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishing a dental compact improves access to dental services, a healthcare component, by enabling professional mobility across states under public health framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2480: An Act regarding registered nurse first assistants

HD 1626 requires health insurance policies, hospital service plans, and medical service agreements in Massachusetts to cover surgical first assistant services provided by registered nurses (RNs) licensed under Chapter 112, rather than other providers. This directly affects insurers, hospitals, and RNs by mandating that existing coverage for "surgical first assisting" must specifically include RNs. The bill amends Chapters 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G of the General Laws to clarify this interpretation. Additionally, it requires the Department of Public Health to report by September 2026 on RN first assistant services, including patient outcomes and satisfaction data from hospitals and insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands registered nurse scope of practice for surgical first assistant roles, improving access to surgical care teams and supporting healthcare delivery under Public Health.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 2432: An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer

HD 245 creates a state-wide pancreatic cancer initiative administered by the Department of Public Health. It establishes a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council (including patient advocates and representatives from cancer networks) to develop hospital certification standards, identify underserved areas for improved care access, create a multi-provider consortium for best practices, and develop a standard tissue consent form for research. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study on pancreatic cancer prevalence and patient needs, plus a public education program about genetic risks and symptoms. Additionally, it requires the insurance commissioner to survey genetic testing coverage and the health center to update pancreatic cancer screening benefit reviews by 2026. This bill directly affects pancreatic cancer patients, healthcare providers, and the state's public health infrastructure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directly targets reducing pancreatic cancer deaths through public health initiatives, advancing healthcare outcomes without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 14, 2025

SD 2964: An Act relative to safer treatment of acupuncture

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to the safer treatment of acupuncture. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes safety standards for acupuncture treatment under Public Health, directly enhancing patient safety in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 4453: An Act to establish an exemption for personal vehicle value from the MassHealth asset limit

By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to establish an exemption for personal vehicle values from the MassHealth asset limits. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts vehicle value from MassHealth asset limits, expanding Medicaid eligibility and improving access to healthcare coverage.90% confidence

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