Bill > S149

This bill requires the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive state plan within one year to improve healthcare providers' knowledge and standards of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), specifically focusing on autism spectrum disorders and patients with intersecting marginalized identities. The plan will include three key components: establishing continuing education requirements for healthcare providers about IDD diagnosis and treatment, developing strategies to improve IDD assessment during primary care examinations, and coordinating with state licensure boards to incorporate IDD-related education into professional license renewals. To support this effort, the bill mandates the creation of an advisory committee within six months, comprising representatives from state health agencies, healthcare providers, patient advocates, and key professional organizations like the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Arc of Massachusetts. The advisory committee will be responsible for developing statewide standards and recommendations for healthcare professionals' training, covering a wide range of medical professionals including physicians, psychologists, nurses, and physician assistants, with a particular emphasis on understanding the physical and psychological impacts of challenges like emergency department boarding for patients with IDD.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S149