Bill > S1493

This bill introduces several key provisions aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare resource management in Massachusetts. First, it establishes a confidential online portal managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enable real-time bed searches for psychiatric and substance use disorder inpatient facilities, helping healthcare providers quickly find appropriate placement for patients. The bill also expands the state health resource plan's goals to include promoting equitable healthcare distribution, maintaining healthcare quality and access, ensuring a stable workforce, supporting innovative delivery models, advancing health equity, and integrating various health services like mental health, oral health, and substance use treatment. Additionally, the bill requires hospitals to develop and submit plans to reduce unnecessary duplicate diagnostic services, with potential penalties for non-compliance, and mandates that licensed healthcare facilities operate 24/7 for admissions and discharges. The legislation further instructs the Department of Public Health to consider factors like health equity, cost containment, and regional healthcare needs when reviewing healthcare resource applications, with the aim of ensuring more efficient and accessible healthcare across the state.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1493