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 concerns about the potential closure of hospitals or the discontinuation of essential health services in Massachusetts. It seeks to ensure that all residents have access to necessary healthcare, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. The bill aims to strengthen protections against hospital closures and maintain a sufficient level of essential health services throughout the state. It focuses on preventing disruptions to healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of Public Health to monitor hospital closures and service reductions.
- Establishes a process for reviewing proposed hospital closures and service discontinuances.
- Mandates the consideration of community impact when evaluating hospital closures.
- Requires hospitals to provide notice to the Department of Public Health before closing or reducing services.
- Focuses on maintaining essential health services in rural and underserved areas.
- Directs the Department of Public Health to assess the impact of hospital closures on access to care.
- Promotes collaborative planning among healthcare providers and the state.
Who is affected
- Residents of Massachusetts
- Hospitals and healthcare providers
- Patients and healthcare consumers
- The Department of Public Health
- Local communities
Notable changes
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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