Bill > H1994

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate and study the use of robotic surgery in the Commonwealth, which refers to the state of Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of members from the senate and house of representatives, including the chairs of the joint committee on public health, along with representatives from the commissioner of public health, the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Urological Society, the Society of Gynecological Surgeons, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Cancer Society, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, a community hospital experienced in robotic surgery, and three individuals who have undergone robotic surgery. The commission's mandate is to develop best practices and principles for training protocols for existing robotic surgery applications, certification processes for new applications, and guidelines for surgeon training and experience. The Department of Public Health will provide necessary resources, and the commission is expected to report its findings and legislative recommendations to the general court by October 31, 2016.