Bill > S1574

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding a new provision that allows the state health department to establish a process for taking over (receivership) hospitals or free-standing clinics that provide essential health services under specific circumstances. Specifically, the state can initiate receivership if a hospital or clinic either closes without providing the legally required 90-day advance notice or closes after the department determines that the closure would significantly disrupt healthcare access in its service area. The bill mandates that the department, in collaboration with other state agencies, must create regulations outlining this receivership process, which must also include a detailed plan for funding such a takeover. The goal of this legislation appears to be preserving healthcare access in communities by providing a mechanism to prevent sudden or disruptive healthcare facility closures that could leave patients without necessary medical services.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1574