Bill > S729

This bill amends Chapter 111 of the General Laws to require hospitals to provide 90-day advance notice to the Department of Public Health before closing a hospital or discontinuing an essential health service. The bill requires the hospital to engage with primary service area stakeholders, such as patient groups, staff, and local officials, to discuss the causes and impacts of the closure or discontinuation. The Department of Public Health must determine whether the discontinued services are necessary to preserve access and health status in the hospital's service area, and can require the hospital to submit a plan to assure continuing access to such necessary services. The bill also requires new acute-care hospitals to submit a plan for providing community benefits and essential health services, which the Department may waive in certain circumstances. If a hospital executes a plan to discontinue an essential health service without Department approval, the Department must refer the matter to the Attorney General to seek an injunction.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S729