HD 637 limits annual increases in assessments paid by health care providers and manufacturers. It caps the total assessed amount for acute hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, non-hospital providers, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy benefit managers, and surcharge payors at no more than the annual health care cost growth benchmark approved by the health policy commission. This applies to both the Health Care Cost Containment Commission (Section 6) and the Health Policy Commission (Section 7). The bill directly affects these entities by restricting how much their mandatory assessments can rise each year.
HD 3554 restricts abortions after the second trimester unless the mother's life is at risk. It requires physicians performing such procedures to obtain certification from themselves and two consulting physicians that continuing the pregnancy would likely cause maternal death, and the procedure must occur in a hospital. The bill also mandates that if a fetus shows signs of viability after an abortion (e.g., movement or heartbeat), hospitals and physicians must provide all necessary life-saving measures. This applies specifically to abortions performed under the allowed circumstances and does not affect care for miscarriages before 20 weeks or stillbirths after 20 weeks.
By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2469) of Michael P. Kushmerek, Christine P. Barber and others relative to the discontinuance of health service. Public Health.
This bill establishes a fundamental right to bodily autonomy for health decisions for both individuals and their minor children under Massachusetts law. It prohibits any public or private entity from mandating health-related interventions (including vaccinations, mask-wearing, data sharing, or genetic procedures) except for specific exceptions like drug testing, certain occupational health requirements (excluding vaccines), driver's license medical tests, or hospital admissions under Chapter 123. Individuals harmed by violations can seek injunctions, damages, legal fees, or reinstatement with back pay. The law overrides other state or federal mandates during emergencies. It directly affects people, employers, schools, healthcare providers, and government agencies requiring health-related actions.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1503) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Susannah M. Whipps, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the closing of hospital essential services. Public Health.
