Bill > H3795

This bill aims to improve access to breastfeeding care by establishing lactation consultants as licensed healthcare professionals in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Adding lactation consultants as members of the Board of Allied Health Professions, which oversees the licensing of various healthcare professionals. 2. Defining "lactation care and services" and "lactation consultant" in the law. 3. Requiring lactation consultants to be licensed by the state, with the criteria being certification by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. 4. Outlining the scope of practice for licensed lactation consultants and exemptions for other healthcare providers, educators, and volunteers to provide lactation support services. 5. Allowing international board certified lactation consultants to practice in Massachusetts for up to 6 months without a state license. 6. Providing a 3-year transition period for existing international board certified lactation consultants to become licensed in the state. The overall goal is to integrate lactation consultants into the state's healthcare system and ensure better access to professional breastfeeding support for new mothers and families.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H3795