Bill > S1628

This bill aims to protect the independence of clinical decision-making by establishing strict regulations for health care practices and management services organizations in Massachusetts. The legislation defines key terms like "clinician with independent practice authority" and outlines specific requirements for health care practices, which must be either wholly owned by licensed clinicians or organized through specific business structures like professional corporations or limited liability companies. The bill prohibits any entity from interfering with a clinician's professional judgment, including restrictions on controlling patient care decisions, such as treatment time, discharge decisions, diagnostic terminology, and clinical orders. Health care practices must provide written certifications to the Board of Registration in Medicine or Nursing, file detailed registration applications, and designate a medical director responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations. Management services organizations are explicitly forbidden from exercising control over critical aspects of medical practice, including patient records, personnel decisions, billing procedures, and medical equipment selection. Violations of these provisions would constitute unauthorized medical or nursing practice, with contracts deemed void and potential legal penalties. The overall goal is to ensure that clinical decisions remain under the ultimate control of licensed healthcare professionals, free from external commercial or administrative pressures.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1628