Bill > H4838

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to improving perimenopause and menopause care in Massachusetts through multiple key provisions. First, it creates a special 19-member legislative commission to study various aspects of perimenopause and menopause, including data collection, healthcare access, insurance coverage, medical education gaps, and workforce impacts, with a requirement to submit a detailed report by December 31, 2027. Second, the bill mandates that the Department of Public Health develop and disseminate public information about perimenopause and menopause in multiple languages, covering symptoms, treatment options, and healthcare resources. Third, the bill requires healthcare professionals (physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, and practical nurses) who serve perimenopausal and menopausal populations to complete a one-time continuing education course on diagnosis and treatment. Fourth, the bill amends anti-discrimination laws to explicitly protect individuals from workplace discrimination based on reproductive health conditions, including perimenopause and menopause, and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations such as modified work schedules, additional breaks, and job restructuring. These comprehensive measures aim to improve awareness, healthcare access, and workplace support for individuals experiencing perimenopause and menopause in Massachusetts.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4838