Bill > H2469

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law regarding hospital essential service closures by establishing comprehensive notification and planning requirements for hospitals seeking to discontinue critical health services. Specifically, hospitals must notify the state Department of Public Health at least one year before closing an essential service and must provide advance notice to multiple stakeholders including patient councils, staff, labor organizations, local government representatives, and community groups at least 30 days before submitting an official closure notice. The bill requires hospitals to submit detailed community engagement plans and evidence of municipal support or acknowledgment of the proposed service closure. The Department of Public Health must evaluate whether the discontinued service is necessary for preserving community health access and can require hospitals to create a community oversight committee to monitor the transition. If a hospital attempts to close an essential service without departmental approval, the Attorney General may seek an injunction, and the hospital could be barred from future licensing applications for up to three years. The bill also includes a provision preventing hospital bed, unit, or facility closures during declared health emergencies, ensuring continued healthcare access during critical periods.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2469