Bill > H2248

This bill establishes a Parkinson's disease registry in Massachusetts. It requires all patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or related conditions, known as "Parkinsonisms," to be reported to the state Department of Public Health. The registry will collect data on the incidence and prevalence of these conditions to aid in statistical identification, treatment planning, and education for healthcare providers and patients. The bill also establishes a Parkinson's Disease Registry Advisory Committee to advise the department on the development and implementation of the registry. Patients have the option to opt-out of having their personal information included in the registry, but the mere incidence of their diagnosis must still be reported. The confidentiality of the information collected is protected, and the department may share data with other states, federal agencies, and qualified researchers for further study of Parkinson's disease.