MA S1503

Hospitals must notify the Department of Public Health at least one calendar year in advance before closing or discontinuing an essential health service

At least 30 days before filing closure notice, hospitals must inform the patient and family council, all staff, labor unions, state legislators representing the area, and local officials

Hospitals must provide evidence of support or non-opposition from affected municipalities, or proof that municipalities were given notice and opportunity to comment

A community oversight committee must be created—including municipal representatives, non-managerial hospital employees, and a local interfaith representative—to monitor compliance with any approved closure plan

Hospitals that close essential services without department approval face Attorney General injunctions and a three-year bar from certain licensing applications; hospitals cannot close beds, units, or facilities during declared health care emergencies