S538
An Act relative to emergency response and preparedness in the event of a surge in pediatric or adult hospitalizations
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill addresses potential healthcare surges, specifically focusing on increases in hospitalizations for both pediatric and adult patients. It aims to improve emergency response and preparedness efforts within Massachusetts hospitals and healthcare systems. The legislation seeks to ensure hospitals have the resources and plans in place to handle significant increases in patient volume effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to mitigate the impact of such surges on patient care and the healthcare system.
Key provisions
- Requires hospitals to develop and maintain surge capacity plans.
- Mandates collaboration between hospitals and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
- Promotes the sharing of data and best practices among healthcare providers.
- Supports the procurement of necessary equipment and supplies.
- Encourages the development of workforce training programs to address surge capacity needs.
- Directs the Department of Public Health to assess hospital preparedness levels.
- Expands the scope of emergency preparedness planning to include pediatric and adult populations.
Who is affected
- Hospitals
- Healthcare Providers
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Patients
- Pediatric Patients
Notable changes
- Focuses specifically on surges impacting both pediatric and adult populations.
- Requires detailed surge capacity plans from hospitals.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jr. William J. Driscoll
Cosponsor
Jr. William J. Driscoll
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Bill S.538 194th (Current)
An Act relative to emergency response and preparedness in the event of a surge in pediatric or adult hospitalizations
By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 538) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. relative to emergency response and preparedness in the event of surges in pediatric or adult hospitalizations. Emergency Preparedness and Management.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: William J. Driscoll, Jr.
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.538
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management |
| 9/25/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 1/5/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 2/26/2026 | Senate | Accompanied a study order, see S2972 |
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An Act relative to emergency response and preparedness in the event of a surge in pediatric or adult hospitalizations
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