Bill > H1417

This bill advances health equity through a comprehensive set of legislative changes aimed at reducing disparities in healthcare and government services. The legislation creates a new Executive Office of Equity led by a Secretary of Equity, who will be responsible for developing strategic plans to advance equity across state government and establish standards for collecting and analyzing disaggregated data on population outcomes. Key provisions include establishing a Health Equity Zone Trust Fund to support community-based interventions in areas with significant health disparities, requiring healthcare professional licensing boards to implement health equity continuing education, and expanding healthcare coverage for individuals regardless of immigration status. The bill mandates that various state boards and commissions have diverse representation, with at least 50% women and 25% Black, Indigenous, or people of color. It also introduces new requirements for healthcare entities to incorporate health equity into their operations, such as developing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, collecting data on social determinants of health, and creating strategies to reduce health inequities for priority populations. Notably, the bill defines health equity as ensuring fair and just opportunities for all individuals to be as healthy as possible, with a focus on removing obstacles to healthcare and addressing historical injustices like poverty and racism.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1417