Bill > S754

This bill amends Chapter 111 of the General Laws to establish new requirements for hospitals proposing to close or discontinue an "essential health service." Key provisions include: 1) Hospitals must notify the Department of Public Health at least one year in advance of a proposed closure or discontinuance of an essential health service, and must inform various parties (e.g., patient council, staff, local officials) at least 30 days prior to notifying the Department. 2) Hospitals must provide a detailed account of any community engagement and planning that has occurred prior to the filing, and the Department must determine whether the discontinued services are necessary for preserving access and health status in the hospital's service area. 3) If a hospital executes a plan to discontinue an essential health service without Department approval, the Attorney General can seek an injunction to require the service be maintained, and the hospital may be ineligible for certain applications for up to 3 years. 4) New acute-care hospitals must submit a plan for providing community benefits, including essential health services, which the Department can take into account in approving the plan.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S754