Bill > S2821

This bill establishes new protections for "social care information," which is defined as any information related to an individual's need for, payment for, or provision of social care, such as help with food, housing, transportation, or employment, that identifies or could identify the individual. Specifically, it creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to govern the privacy of this information, particularly when it is stored or shared through a "Closed-Loop Referral System" (CLRS). A CLRS is a system used by "participating organizations" – which include healthcare providers, public agencies, and non-profits – to share social care information for the purpose of referring individuals to services and tracking the progress of those referrals. The bill prohibits participating organizations from selling or licensing social care information within a CLRS and restricts its use to the original purpose for which it was collected, unless the individual receiving care is informed in writing and gives their approval. Violations of these provisions can result in a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation, enforced by the attorney general, who is also empowered to create rules for the bill's implementation. The act will become effective 90 days after it is enacted.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2821