Bill > H1907

This bill amends existing Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 111, Section 25B, to introduce and define "specialty health care providers" and to regulate them. It modifies the definition of "Expenditure minimum with respect to substantial capital expenditures" to exclude expenditures related to these specialty providers, and it adds "specialty health care providers" to the definition of "Health care facility." The bill defines a "Specialty health care provider" as an entity, including physician practices, that offers outpatient services typically done in a hospital setting, such as anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, or therapeutic services using major medical equipment, provided it is not a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or community health center. Furthermore, the bill establishes that these specialty health care providers will be considered clinics for licensing purposes under Section 51, requiring a determination of need by the department before an original license can be issued, and mandates that the department will create regulations for their classification and for existing providers.