Bill > H1358

This bill aims to improve healthcare research and decision-making by establishing patient-centered standards for two key Massachusetts state agencies: the Division of Medical Assistance and the Health Policy Commission. The bill requires these agencies to ensure that any research or analysis used for healthcare treatment decisions prioritizes patient perspectives, particularly for patients with disabilities. Specifically, the agencies must evaluate research that includes outcomes prioritized by patients in specific disease areas, consider patient subgroups with different preferences and characteristics, and follow scientifically rigorous practices that use a comprehensive range of peer-reviewed evidence. The bill prohibits the use of discriminatory measures like quality-adjusted life year (QALY) calculations, which assign monetary value to healthcare treatments based on potential life extension. Additionally, the legislation mandates that any policies limiting healthcare access must include appeals and physician override mechanisms, and physicians cannot be penalized for using these mechanisms. By centering patient experiences and needs, the bill seeks to create a more inclusive and patient-focused approach to healthcare research and policy-making in Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1358