An Act relative to the closing of hospital essential services
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, titled ‘An Act relative to the closing of hospital essential services,’ addresses the potential closure of hospital essential services. It seeks to ensure that hospitals maintain necessary services, particularly in rural areas, during any facility closures. The bill aims to establish a process for evaluating the impact of hospital closures on patient access to care and to require hospitals to provide a plan for maintaining essential services if they are considering closing.
Key provisions
- Requires hospitals to provide a plan for maintaining essential services if they are considering closing.
- Establishes a process for evaluating the impact of hospital closures on patient access to care.
- Focuses on ensuring access to essential services, particularly in rural areas.
- Addresses the potential impact of hospital closures on vulnerable populations.
- Requires hospitals to report on their plans for maintaining essential services.
- The bill is accompanied by a study order (S2972) to examine the issue further.
Who is affected
- Hospitals
- Patients
- Rural communities
- Healthcare providers
- Residents of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- The bill mandates a specific process for evaluating the impact of hospital closures.
- It requires hospitals to proactively develop plans to maintain essential services.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
11 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Joanne M. Comerford
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