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MA S538
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
William Driscoll
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires health insurers to waive prior authorization requirements for patient transportation and discharge when hospital bed capacity reaches or exceeds 85% for 72+ hours in a Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition (HMCC) Region
- Applies to all hospital bed types including adult and pediatric general medical/surgical beds, critical care beds, and behavioral health care beds
- Prior authorization waivers also triggered when DPH activates its Capacity Planning and Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals
- Waivers must last at least 30 days, or for the full duration of a DPH capacity guidance activation
- Division of Insurance must publish implementation guidance within 30 days of the act's passage, in consultation with DPH
Legislative Description
Relative to emergency response and preparedness in the event of a surge in pediatric or adult hospitalizations
Last Action
Accompanied a study order, see S2972
2/26/2026
Committee Referrals
Health Care Financing1/5/2026
Emergency Preparedness and Management2/27/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available