Bill > S1626

This bill amends Section 51G of Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws to enhance protections for essential health services during potential hospital closures or service discontinuations. The bill requires that any notification of a proposed closure must include three key components: (1) the reasons for the proposed closure, (2) a detailed economic feasibility analysis examining the financial implications of retaining the service or hospital, and (3) a clinical safety analysis that evaluates potential public health and safety risks associated with the closure. Furthermore, the bill grants the state department of public health expanded authority to intervene in closure plans. Specifically, the department can now deny a proposed discontinuation of essential health services if it determines that the service can be safely maintained without causing financial hardship to the hospital. In cases where a hospital is owned by an entity with multiple facilities, the department can also require the retention of the hospital in its current or a modified configuration if it determines that doing so is clinically safe and financially viable. This legislation aims to provide an additional layer of protection for communities that might otherwise lose critical healthcare services.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1626