Bill > S2542

This bill amends Chapter 111 of the General Laws in Massachusetts to require hospitals to provide 90 days' notice to the Department of Public Health before closing or discontinuing any essential health services. The bill requires hospitals to engage with stakeholders in their primary service area, such as patient and family councils, staff, labor organizations, and local officials, to discuss the reasons for and impacts of the closure or discontinuation. The Department of Public Health is required to determine whether any discontinued services are necessary to preserve access and health status in the hospital's service area, and can require the hospital to submit a plan to ensure continuing access to such services. The bill also requires new acute-care hospitals to submit a plan for providing community benefits and essential health services, which the Department may waive in certain cases. If a hospital executes a plan to discontinue an essential service without Department approval, the Department can refer the matter to the Attorney General to seek an injunction.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2542