Bill > S753

This bill aims to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care. It amends the existing Massachusetts law (Chapter 151B) by replacing the term "handicap" with "disability" and adding a new subsection to prohibit healthcare entities from denying or withholding lifesaving treatment based on assumptions about the quality of life or value of life of individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. The bill also prohibits the use of measures or metrics that assign reduced value to life extension treatments for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Additionally, it sets requirements for hospitals and healthcare providers to avoid discrimination against individuals based on their advance directives or instructions related to life-sustaining procedures. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to promulgate regulations to implement these provisions within 60 days of the bill's effective date.