Bill > H1740

This bill amends Section 79G of Chapter 233 of the Massachusetts General Laws to simplify the process of using medical records and bills as evidence in legal proceedings. The legislation allows medical documentation from physicians, dentists, hospitals, pharmacists, and providers of orthopedic appliances to be admitted as evidence more easily. Specifically, the bill permits itemized bills, medical records, and reports to be used to establish the reasonable cost of medical services, the medical necessity of treatments, diagnosis, prognosis, professional opinions about the cause of a medical condition, and potential disability resulting from that condition. To use such documentation as evidence, the party introducing the records must provide written notice to the opposing party at least ten days in advance by certified mail and file an affidavit of that notice. The bill importantly preserves the rights of all parties to cross-examine medical professionals or summon additional witnesses to challenge or provide context to the submitted medical documentation. This change aims to streamline the evidentiary process in court, commission, or agency proceedings involving medical information.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1740