Bill > S2143

This bill, titled "An Act eliminating health disparities," aims to address and reduce differences in health outcomes and access to quality healthcare that disproportionately affect individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, and disability status. It establishes a new "office of health equity" within the executive office of health and human services, led by a director who will report directly to the secretary of health and human services. This office will be responsible for coordinating all state activities to eliminate these health disparities, setting reduction goals, and preparing an annual plan. The bill also mandates collaboration with various state agencies to address social and economic factors influencing health inequality, such as housing, transportation, employment, and education. Furthermore, the office will evaluate the effectiveness of programs, identify best practices, and produce an annual "health disparity report card" to track the Commonwealth's progress, which will be made public and presented to state officials. The health disparities council, previously established, will now serve as an advisory board to this new office, and other commissions will be required to incorporate the recommendations of the health disparities council and the office of health equity into their goals for reducing healthcare disparities.