Bill > S154

This bill modifies Massachusetts law to establish clearer guidelines for guardians as medical care providers for incapacitated persons, specifically within the state's medical assistance programs. The bill expands the definition of "Provider" to include guardians who are duly appointed and engaged in activities related to consenting to or gaining access to medical care for their ward, while explicitly excluding guardians with an immediate family relationship to the ward. The legislation requires the state's executive office to establish payment rates for guardians that consider factors like regional professional guardian rates, governmental mandates, cost adjustments for inflation, and geographic differences in wages and costs. The bill also mandates that guardian claims paid under the medical assistance program be disclosed in their annual court report, though judicial pre-approval is not required for reimbursement. Additionally, the bill streamlines administrative requirements for guardians seeking to participate in medical assistance programs, such as requiring renewal of participation intent only once every 12 months and simplifying qualification documentation, which now includes a recent certificate of appointment and a sworn statement of its validity. These changes aim to support the rights of incapacitated persons by providing clearer pathways for guardians to access medical care and services.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S154