An Act relative to essential services
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill addresses the potential closure of hospitals or the discontinuation of essential health services in Massachusetts. It seeks to establish a process for reviewing and potentially preventing such actions, ensuring continued access to healthcare for residents. The bill aims to provide greater oversight and safeguards related to hospital operations and the delivery of critical medical services. It focuses on maintaining a stable healthcare system within the state.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of Public Health to review proposed hospital closures or discontinuance of essential services.
- Establishes a process for community input and public hearings regarding such proposals.
- Mandates the Department of Public Health to assess the impact of closures on access to care.
- May require hospitals to maintain certain essential services even if overall operations are scaled back.
- Creates a framework for health planning to ensure adequate healthcare resources are available.
- Defines ‘essential health services’ for the purpose of this legislation.
- Specifies the criteria the Department of Public Health must consider when reviewing proposals.
- Outlines a timeline for the review and decision-making process.
Who is affected
- Hospitals
- Healthcare Providers
- Patients in Massachusetts
- The Department of Public Health
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
David Paul Linsky
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