Bill > H3410

This bill authorizes the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase and construct a hospital in the town of Norwood, which will be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. The legislation enables the transfer of the clinical division's operations, assets, and liabilities from the University of Massachusetts to a nonprofit corporation, with specific provisions to protect the academic and research mission of the university. Key provisions include allowing the university trustees to transfer management and control of the clinical division to one or more nonprofit corporations, establishing a governance structure that ensures university representation, and maintaining the hospital's commitment to medical education and training. The bill provides detailed protections for employees, particularly registered nurses, ensuring they maintain their positions, collective bargaining rights, and comparable benefits during the transition. Additionally, the legislation exempts certain transactions and agreements related to the hospital from standard competitive bidding and procurement laws, and explicitly declares an intent to supersede federal and state competition laws for this specific transaction. The bill is framed as an emergency measure, emphasizing the immediate importance of authorizing the hospital's purchase and construction for public health purposes.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3410