An Act relative to chemicals in food packaging

This legislation would ban the sale or use of packaging that is manufactured with PFAS, chemicals that can linger in the body for decades and are known to have significant human health risks.

PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items waterproof, stain resistant, or non-stick. These chemicals have become ubiquitous in products ranging from cookware to furniture to children’s toys, despite posing dangerous health risks. Even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating — increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis, and other diseases. Compounding these dangers is the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment.

While PFAS chemicals are effective at resisting water and grease, other products can fulfill the same function without exposing consumers to increased health risk. Over 200 scientists that study PFAS have issued a consensus statement, called the Madrid statement, urging governments to regulate these chemicals as a class and to eliminate the unnecessary use of PFAS.

This legislation was included in the omnibus PFAs legislation proposed by the Joint Committee on Public Health during the 193rd legislation and is based off of legislation that passed in Washington State and Maine in recent years. Additionally, 11 states have already passed bans on some consumer products manufactured with PFAS.

An Act building a more accessible Massachusetts

This bill would make changes to state regulations regarding the accessible infrastructure of residences and workplaces. Specifically, the legislation updates state disability regulations that have fallen behind federal standards and rewrites long outdated statutes that limit opportunity for individuals with disabilities in their search for both housing and employment. Those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities as those who are able-bodied; nonetheless, it is common for many to miss out on a potential housing unit or professional position due to inaccessible infrastructure.  

The Americans with Disabilities Act established the framework of responsibility for our public infrastructure to be accessible to all. In recognition of the decreasing supply on housing combined with overwhelming demand and increasing financial burdens, it is imperative that all our constituents have adequate housing options and access to all employment opportunities that they are qualified to perform. 

An Act relative to hospital price transparency

The cost of health care in the United States is often crushing to those in need of care, deterring many from seeking necessary services in fear of facing massive medical debt. This bill would make steps toward helping patients better understand the cost of their care before they receive it. 

This legislation intends to set a path towards significant cost savings across the Commonwealth in the near future by requiring Massachusetts hospitals to disclose the prices of their products and services in a clear and searchable way. It also gives the Massachusetts Attorney General the power to enforce violations via Consumer Protection Laws.

This bill builds on recent advances in Colorado and Virginia to establish a baseline of transparency around the costs of goods and services provided by a hospital. 

An Act relative to the use of artificial intelligence and other software tools in healthcare decision-making

Modeled after a California law, this legislation ensures that decisions about medical treatments are made by our health care providers, not solely determined by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms used by health insurers. While the bill does not prohibit the use of AI in assisting with decision making, it includes protections against bias and errors in the decision making process. 

An Act relative to improving outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest

This bill updates the existing Emergency 911 system to improve outcomes for individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SAC). The Commonwealth’s 911 system responds to about 10 victims a day, but the survival rate is nearly ten times lower than in other parts of the country.

The legislation:

• Requires that all dispatchers that provide dispatch for emergency medical conditions be trained in telephone-CPR

• Adds a physician with a specialty in emergency medicine and a regional EMS expert to the State 911 Commission

• Establishes a registry of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) accessible by 911 operators to make them easier to locate in an emergency

• Adds Sudden Cardiac Arrest to the list of reportable diseases, allowing the Commonwealth to collect improved data on these incidents.

An Act to close the achievement gap by addressing disparities in children's vision

The bill is based on the 2021 Report of the Childhood Vision and Eye Health Commission and would implement its recommendations by creating a computerized registry of children’s vision screening eye care and a children’s vision and eye health advisory council within the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This council would establish recommendations for improved children’s vision and eye health to facilitate short and long-term vision and eye health goals. The legislation also expands the current requirement for a recent eye exam for children entering kindergarten to those entering pre-school. Further, it would apply the requirement for an eye exam to also include private schools.   

This bill is crucial to ensure no child falls behind due to lack of access to basic vision care. Approximately 10% of all preschool children have eye or vision problems. Research shows that 90% of all information processed by the brain arrives through the visual system — eye care and vision play integral roles in healthcare and are fundamental to learning. Currently, for pre-school aged children, if symptoms of vision impairment are not caught by a parent, guardian, or educator, they risk losing integral developmental years.

An Act relative to stroke data reporting

This legislation builds off of years of legislative efforts to improve the system of how stroke patients are transported to treatment facilities. In the FY2024 state budget, a provision was included that requires the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) to “tier” hospitals based on stroke treatment capability and requires DPH to issue pre-hospital protocols for patients to be directly transported to comprehensive stroke centers, bypassing any closer community hospitals.

There are only a handful of such comprehensive stroke centers in the commonwealth. The language, which is several decades old, does not include any of the other 2019 DPH recommendations to ensure proper assessment on stroke severity. This bill would also require DPH to collect and report data that will be used to make improvements in the system to better efficiency and save more lives.

An Act relative to the establishment of the PFAS Public Safety Fund

PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items waterproof, fire-resistant, or non-stick. Even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating, increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis, and other diseases. Compounding these dangers is the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment. 

Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters, caused by the dangerous conditions they face on the job and due to the exposure of these toxic forever chemicals from their equipment. Last session the Massachusetts legislature passed my bill, An Act relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment, which will ban manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters will be prohibited from knowingly selling gear containing “intentionally-added PFAS” chemicals on January 1, 2027. This legislation would create a dedicated fund to support programs and grants related to researching, developing, and purchasing PFAS-free firefighter gear. 

An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment

This bill would ban the use of the most destructive anticoagulant rodenticides, many of which pose a great threat to the biodiversity of the Commonwealth, starting on January 1st, 2027. It would also create a permitting process for limited and responsible use of anticoagulant rodenticides in certain public health emergencies.

Experts and advocates have established guidelines on best practices in using rodenticides to manage rodents without unintentionally harming the broader ecosystem, however it is more common that an anticoagulant agent is used. These rodenticides not only have hazardous run off, but their toxins can then be ingested by animals further up the food chain, negatively affecting the health of predator species, as well as be consumed by a domesticated animal simply by being on the ground.

This bill was derived from a law passed in California in 2021 and is co-filed with Representative Jim Hawkins.

An Act establishing an internal special audit unit within the Cannabis Control Commission

In response to the will of the voters, the Massachusetts Legislature created the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), an independent agency modeled after the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Despite being structured on a proven regulatory model, the CCC has struggled to effectively and efficiency execute on its regulatory mission. This bill would create an internal special audit unit within, but not subject to the control of, the CCC. This unit is modeled after existing internal special audit units, which currently exist to provide dedicated oversight of the MassDOT/MBTA, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the State Police.

The unit would be tasked with monitoring the quality, efficiency and integrity of the CCC programs and operations. The Unit would then make recommendations to the CCC on how it can improve its operations. In addition, the Unit would develop trainings for the CCC, including on how to conduct regulatory investigations. The bill also requires a memorandum of understanding between the CCC, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and the Department of Public Utilities to promote communication and collaboration between the agencies.

An Act to Maximize Participation in Federal Nutrition Programs and Improve Customer Service

SNAP is the most efficient and effective benefit program we have to address food insecurity, support local grocers, and stimulate the Commonwealth’s economy, especially because SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded and issued directly to families. However in recent months, struggling families have faced extraordinary barriers getting help from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), SNAP’s issuing authority in MA. When SNAP for eligible families is delayed or denied, both they and their communities suffer.

The hope of this bill is to ensure SNAP applicants get their applications processed fast. This bill would require the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit a report specifying the resources DTA requires to assure timely participation by eligible households in federal nutrition assistance benefits administered by the department. This report will provide the department’s short and long-term goals for improving access to benefits, ensure timely customer service to eligible households, and provide the financial and other resources necessary for the department to reach those goals. As the state loses federal dollars, we must ensure all funds are being utilized in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

Resolve establishing a sexual assault counselor certification task force

This bill would establish a task force to review and update curriculum and training of rape crisis center employees or volunteers and to examine the feasibility of providing continuing education and college credits with the completion of training programs. The task force’s scope includes fees and costs associated with certification and licensure for rape crisis centers and professionals.

Currently, the Commonwealth contracts with 17 providers across the state to deliver rape crisis center service. Through contractual obligations, these organizations can be held to high standards, however there is no mechanism to do so with non-contracted individuals and organizations. This legislation is critical to ensure that anyone claiming to be a physician, nurse, social worker, or mental health counselor and providing services to survivors of sexual assault has met minimum training requirements and credentials associated with the title to protect these individuals who are already dealing with the trauma of sexual violence. 

An Act relative to smoking cessation agents

This legislation allows a licensed pharmacist to prescribe and dispense smoking cessation agents. Before dispensing smoking cessation agents, a pharmacist shall complete a training program approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health on proper documentation, quality assurance, and referral to additional services, including recommendation that the patient follow-up with a medical practitioner.

By allowing pharmacists to prescribe these products, we can lower barriers to treatment on the path of those attempting to get and remain tobacco free. 

An Act Protecting Patients from Surprise Bills Related to Emergency Ambulance Service

This bill aims to protect those in need of emergency ambulance services by requiring health insurance carriers to directly and promptly pay ambulance service companies for emergency services rendered to a patient, even if they are not under a contractual agreement. The bill does not create an entitlement to coverage for ambulance services. However, it does also require the insured to assign their benefits to the ambulance company in order to facilitate payment, establishes payment rates equal to those established by municipalities, and authorizes municipalities to appeal to the commissioner of insurance for a municipally established ambulance rate increase that is in excess of the current Health Care Cost Benchmark.  

Currently, many people opt for ride share options or are taking public transportation if they need emergency health services due to the high cost of ambulance transport. This phenomenon is due to an unaffordable health care system on top of extreme economic pressures. As a result, by the time people receive help for their health emergency, it may be too late. Ambulances are equipped with medical supplies and personnel trained to respond and act in any health care situation. By providing this protection, we can enable more people to seek the resources available to them without worrying about the financial burdens associated with seeking care. 

This bill was filed last session by Senator Timilty.

An act relative to hospital profit and fairness

This bill aims to curb medical costs that are not directly related to our systems of healthcare yet increasingly contribute to its soaring cost. One such cost is the inflated salaries paid to CEOs that rarely reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or community benefits.

This legislation would require hospitals receiving public money to disclose financial assets and impose fees on publicly funded hospitals that compensate executives up to 50 times more than other employees. These fees will then be used to fund a Medicaid Reimbursement Enhancement Fund, which will increase Medicaid reimbursements to eligible hospitals.

Most acute care facilities in Massachusetts, whether they are for-profit or not-for-profit, receive over half of their revenues from the taxpayer. By limiting salaries, we can begin to claw back excess profits and ensure taxpayer dollars are dedicated exclusively to patient care and necessary services.

An Act relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

Due to their accessibility, the Commonwealth's 7,500 pharmacists became an irreplaceable asset for the delivery of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists continue to serve as a trusted community healthcare resource while expanding services to meet the needs of the public. This bill modernizes the regulation of pharmacies by permitting pharmacists to test, screen, and treat qualified health conditions (such as influenza, Strep, HIV PEP/PrEP therapies, and COVID-19), and request reimbursement for those services in accordance with statewide protocols. Pharmacists will be permitted to practice at the top of their license, resulting in better patient access and health equity outcomes.

The goal of the bill is to increase timeliness and access to care for underserved patient populations, reduce stress on hospital emergency departments, create a collaborative relationship between pharmacists and other healthcare providers to alleviate workload, and improve the overall wellbeing of Commonwealth residents.  

An Act relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations

For many individuals with mental health or substance abuse disorders, challenges exist beyond the basic diagnosis. As the Commonwealth continues to evaluate the distribution of behavioral and mental health services, Massachusetts can increase participation and improve outcomes for these programs by putting residents in a better position to succeed.

This bill would mandate a pilot program for a new care coordination position within accountable care organizations which would focus on ensuring patients receive wholistic care on an individualized path. By assisting with the navigation of these services, patients can focus on their health, not the stress associated with screening providers, navigating health insurance, adhering to medication schedules, and coordinating between specialists. 

An Act to prohibit inappropriate use of the health care cost growth benchmark

The Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark was established in 2012 to help control the growth of total health care expenditures across all payers, private and public, but was not intended to act as a spending cap. On March 16, 2022, the Health Policy Commission (HPC) reinforced this point during a Health Care Cost Benchmark hearing, yet health insurance carriers continue to use this benchmark as a defacto cap on reimbursements across many healthcare providers.

This legislation inserts a new limitation on the health insurance statute prohibiting the use of the Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark in health insurance contracts with providers.

An Act increasing access to ABA services by recognizing assistant level providers

This bill would increase access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for kids with autism and other developmental disorders who would benefit from them. In Massachusetts, ABA services can be provided by providers holding either a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) license or an Assistant Applied Behavior Analyst (AABA) license through DPH regulations. However, currently, MassHealth does not cover ABA services provided by a AABA provider, resulting in a lack of access to providers for those who receive these services and increasing the wait time for the children in need.

This bill will establish a rate for all providers of ABA services, both holding BCBA and AABA licenses, to ensure they are able to receive reimbursement for the services they provide and create accessible and affordable care for those who need it.

An Act to remove barriers to patient care

In 2021, Massachusetts enacted An Act Promoting a Resilient Health Care System That Puts Patients First, which granted Full Practice Authority (FPA) to eligible Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). FPA allows eligible APRNs to practice independently, eliminating the need for physician supervision. However, outdated state insurance statutes still mandate physician involvement as a condition of coverage for certain services. These vary from a physical examination to written orders or prescriptions — all services that fall within the scope of practice for APRNs.

This bill proposes a solution to these mandates that create significant barriers for patients who rely on APRNs for their care. Specifically, the bill is a technical fix aimed at aligning Massachusetts' insurance statutes with the current legal scope of APRN practice under Full Practice Authority. This bill ensures patients can access timely care from APRNs without unnecessary delays caused by outdated statutory requirements for physician involvement in order to receive covered healthcare services.