Bill > S465

This bill addresses support for individuals suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, through several key provisions. First, it requires the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to amend home care regulations to make home care program services available to ALS patients regardless of their age, as long as they meet other eligibility requirements. Second, the bill establishes patient-centeredness standards for the Division of Medical Assistance and the Health Policy Commission, requiring that research and analysis impacting healthcare access prioritize patient outcomes and perspectives. These standards include evaluating research that considers outcomes important to patients and people with disabilities, examining patient subgroups, and ensuring scientific rigor by considering a comprehensive range of peer-reviewed evidence. The bill prohibits the use of discriminatory measures like quality-adjusted life year (QALY) calculations in determining healthcare treatment value, coverage, or reimbursement. Additionally, it mandates that any policy limiting patient healthcare access must include appeals and physician override mechanisms, protecting physicians who utilize these mechanisms from negative consequences. The overall aim is to improve healthcare access and decision-making for ALS patients and potentially other patient populations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S465