Bill > H2547

This bill modifies existing legislation regarding municipal and regional public health systems by introducing several key changes. First, it requires the public health department to hold public hearings before adopting foundational public health service standards, and mandates that municipalities must obtain a two-thirds approval from their city council or town meeting before adopting these standards or entering into inter-municipal agreements. The bill changes the language from municipalities being required to implement certain standards to allowing them to "voluntarily" do so, and shifts the department's role from enforcing strict standards to assisting boards in improving service efficiency. Additionally, the bill modifies funding provisions, removing specific language about annual noncompetitive funding and its distribution criteria. A significant new provision explicitly protects individual rights by stating that nothing in the legislation can limit local health boards' authority, discriminate against them, or infringe on constitutional rights, including the rights to decline medical procedures, maintain personal medical privacy, and seek alternative healthcare services. These changes appear aimed at providing more local control and individual choice in public health decision-making while reducing mandatory compliance requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2547