MA S149

Executive Office of Health and Human Services must create an integrated state plan within one year to develop training, education, and standards of care for healthcare providers treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders

Advisory committee on intellectual and developmental disabilities must be established within six months, comprising designees from HHS and DPH, two healthcare providers, two patient advocates or family members, and representatives from five organizations including the Arc of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, and Massachusetts Psychological Association

Plan must address continuing education requirements for healthcare providers, standards for improving assessment and diagnosis during routine primary care, and coordination with state licensure boards to incorporate disability-related training into license renewals

Training requirements apply to physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, physician assistants, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses

Plan must specifically address the physical and psychological impacts of emergency department boarding and strategies to support patients and families when boarding is unavoidable