Senate, August 20, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 227) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to expand options for EMT paramedics; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 253) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to modernize licensure of dietitians and nutritionists by creating a Dietetics and Nutrition board; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1493) of John J. Cronin for legislation to improve patient outcomes across the continuum; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1524) of James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1527) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to arbovirus in the Commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1544) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation relative to interpreters for non-English speaking patient in health care facilities; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1558) of Edward J. Kennedy and Colleen M. Garry for legislation to ban the selling of a herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1574) of Paul W. Mark and Michael D. Brady for legislation to preserve access to hospital services; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1600) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to the safety of Autistic and Alzheimer's individuals; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1613) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide access to health transportation for vulnerable patients; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1620) of Michael F. Rush and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to protect children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3258).
This bill requires health insurance companies to reimburse licensed athletic trainers (with physician referrals) for services they're legally allowed to provide, on the same terms as other covered providers. It applies only to health plans that already cover similar services or conditions within athletic trainers' scope of practice. Insurers cannot impose additional cost-sharing (like higher deductibles) or utilization restrictions that unfairly target athletic trainer care, though standard plan rules still apply. The law ensures athletic trainers are treated equally for covered services without expanding their scope of practice.
HD 5459 restricts the retail sale of nitrous oxide cartridges (like "whippets" or "cream chargers") to prevent recreational misuse while preserving access for legitimate culinary, medical, dental, and industrial uses. It requires authorized sellers (licensed culinary or medical supply businesses) to verify customers' age with ID, keep products out of public view, and maintain sales records for one year. The law prohibits sales to anyone under 21 for recreational use and mandates visible warning signs at point of sale. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, with potential license suspension.
By Representative Donaghue of Westborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3939) of Kate Donaghue for legislation to establish a board of registration for music therapists. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Rogers of Norwood, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 459) of John H. Rogers relative to the board of registration in podiatry within the board of registration in medicine. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Madaro of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2490) of Adrian C. Madaro and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to establish a physical therapy licensure compact. Public Health.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 422) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf for legislation to establish a board of registration of Asian bodywork therapy. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
S 1592 updates Massachusetts optometry licensure rules to modernize practice standards. It requires optometrists licensed before specific dates (1984, 1994, or 2021) to retake and pass exams by 2022 or 2025 to legally use certain eye medications (like glaucoma treatments and oral medications). The bill also clarifies that "practice of optometry" includes diagnosing related systemic conditions and adds requirements for annual continuing education and participation in state medical assistance programs. These changes directly affect older-licensed optometrists seeking to expand their scope of practice.
This bill (H 4456) modifies Massachusetts licensure requirements for mental health counselors to directly benefit school counselors. It allows school counselors (already licensed as specialized instructional support personnel) to apply their existing graduate coursework and supervised clinical experience toward mental health counselor licensure, including credits from programs under 60 credits. Applicants must still complete two additional years of supervised clinical experience (with specific supervision requirements) and evidence-based suicide prevention training. The bill explicitly permits school counselors to take the mental health counselor licensure exam, streamlining their path to expanded practice.
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.
