MA S1613

Hospitals and home health agencies would be required to provide health transportation access for vulnerable patients, defined as geographically-isolated, low income, English language challenged, illiterate, disabled, or elder adults with dementia

Creates "appointment companion" program where hospitals or home health agencies provide a person to ensure patients get to and from medical appointments using the patient's own vehicle, public transit, or healthcare transportation

Appointment companions would not be responsible for any transportation costs incurred by the patient

Patient online accounts must include a section to request transportation services, and once requested, transportation assistance automatically transfers to future appointments

Declared an emergency law for immediate effect; Department of Public Health would promulgate implementing regulations