Bill > H2378

This bill amends Section 25B of chapter 111 of the General Laws to modify definitions related to health care facilities and services. The bill provides expanded definitions for key terms like "health care facility" and "new technology", clarifying what types of medical institutions and services are included or excluded from these categories. Specifically, the bill excludes facilities operated exclusively by religious groups relying on spiritual healing and ambulatory surgical centers from the definition of health care facilities. For acute-care hospitals, the bill establishes guidelines for adding, expanding, or converting services, including provisions for converting services to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, acute psychiatric, and substance abuse services in underbedded areas. The bill requires the department to develop criteria for such conversions in consultation with various stakeholders, including the departments of elder affairs and mental health. The legislation also stipulates that an increase in staff alone does not automatically constitute a substantial change in service, unless it results in operating cost increases above a specified expenditure minimum. The bill aims to provide more flexible and nuanced guidelines for health care facility service modifications while maintaining oversight and quality standards.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2378