HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 686 FILED ON: 1/17/2017
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 621
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Denise Provost
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to accessible medical equipment.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: | Date Added: |
Denise Provost | 27th Middlesex | 1/17/2017 |
José F. Tosado | 9th Hampden |
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Kay Khan | 11th Middlesex | 1/27/2017 |
Paul R. Heroux | 2nd Bristol |
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Patricia D. Jehlen | Second Middlesex |
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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 686 FILED ON: 1/17/2017
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 621
By Ms. Provost of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 621) of Denise Provost and others for legislation to require the Department of Public Health to update regulations governing licensed health care facilities with requirements relative to the federal standards for accessible medical equipment. Health Care Financing. |
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 1021 OF 2015-2016.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)
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An Act relative to accessible medical equipment.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 5S the following new section:-
Section 5T. (a) The department shall incorporate into its regulations governing licensure of health care facilities, including, but not limited to, hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, hospice programs and hospital dialysis units, requirements that such health care facilities secure accessible medical diagnostic equipment that meets or exceeds the technical standards for accessibility developed by the U.S. Access Board in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 1195 when replacing or purchasing new equipment, including, but not limited to examination tables, examination chairs, weigh scales, mammography equipment, x-ray, imaging and other diagnostic radiological equipment. Health care facilities licensed by the department must maintain operable accessible diagnostic medical equipment at a level that meets the needs of its patient population.
(b) The department shall issue guidance to licensed physicians regarding the technical standards for accessibility developed by the U.S. Access Board in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 1195. Such guidance shall also describe best practices for the safe provision of health care to individuals with accessibility needs.
SECTION 2. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting in section 25C, the following new subsection:-
(o) The department shall evaluate the availability of, or need for, accessible diagnostic medical equipment that meets or exceeds the technical standards for accessibility developed by the U.S. Access Board in accordance with 36 C.F.R. Part 1195 when making a determination of need.