MA S791

Authorizes physicians, mental health counselors, and social service providers to prescribe or refer patients to outdoor time in nature as treatment for pain, disease, mental health symptoms, or social/emotional trauma

Requires all major insurance types in Massachusetts—including private insurers, HMOs, hospital service plans, and MassHealth/Medicaid—to cover nature access when prescribed as medical treatment, mental health services, or social rehabilitation

Waives all state park parking fees and other charges at Department of Conservation and Recreation facilities for individuals enrolled in MassHealth

Mandates the Department of Public Health and Department of Conservation and Recreation jointly review programs to expand outdoor-based therapy and evaluate equitable access for Black, Indigenous, people of color, and environmental justice communities, with a report due September 30, 2024

Officially titled the "H.E.R.O. Nurturing Center Making Nature Prescriptive Act"