Bill > S1343

This bill amends Section 51G of Chapter 111 of the General Laws to require hospitals that are proposing to close or discontinue an "essential health service" to include specific information in their notification to the Department of Public Health. This information includes the reasons for the proposed closing or discontinuance, an analysis of the economic feasibility and clinical safety of retaining the essential health service, and the potential impacts on public health and safety. The bill also gives the Department the authority to deny a proposed discontinuance and require the retention of the essential health service if it can be done in a clinically safe manner without depriving the hospital of a fair net operating income. Additionally, the bill allows the Department to require the retention of a hospital that is proposed for closure if the hospital can be retained in a clinically safe manner and without depriving the entity that owns or controls the hospital of a fair net operating income.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1343