Bill > S2543

This bill seeks to strengthen healthcare protections in Massachusetts, particularly for reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare services, by implementing a comprehensive set of provisions designed to protect patients, providers, and individuals involved in these services. The bill establishes legal safeguards that prevent state agencies, law enforcement, and other entities from cooperating with out-of-state investigations or actions related to legally-protected healthcare activities that are permitted in Massachusetts. It includes protections for healthcare providers, such as preventing professional disciplinary actions for providing these services, protecting personal information of healthcare workers, and prohibiting the collection and dissemination of individual patient data related to reproductive and gender-affirming care. The bill also addresses potential child custody and legal challenges by stipulating that actions taken in other jurisdictions against parents or guardians for supporting their children's access to gender-affirming care cannot be used as a basis for custody modifications or findings of abuse in Massachusetts courts. Additionally, the legislation protects electronic communication services, insurance providers, and attorneys from facing penalties for supporting or advising on these healthcare services, and establishes provisions for hospitals to provide emergency medical services without discrimination. The bill ultimately aims to create a robust legal framework that shields patients, providers, and supporting entities from potential legal repercussions stemming from reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare services.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2543