HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1953        FILED ON: 1/19/2017

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 625

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Todd M. Smola

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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 resolve:

Resolve providing for an investigation and study by a special commission relative to chronic disease care self-management.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1953        FILED ON: 1/19/2017

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 625

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)

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Resolve providing for an investigation and study by a special commission relative to chronic disease care self-management.

Resolved, That a special legislative commission, to consist of: 3 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate, and 1 of whom shall serve as co-chair; 3 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be a appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives, and 1 of whom shall serve as co-chair; the secretary of elder affairs, the commissioner of the department of public health, the commissioner of the department of mental health, the commissioner of insurance and the director of Medicaid, or their designees; and 8 persons to be appointed by the governor,  3 of whom shall be representatives from the Massachusetts Medical Society appointed in consultation with their relevant specialty chapters, including a geriatric physician, a primary care physician, and an emergency physician, 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, 2 of whom shall be representatives from commercial health insurance plans or managed care organizations doing business in the commonwealth, 1 of whom shall be a person who has a chronic health condition, including, but not limited to cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis, and 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Nurses Association who shall be a nurse,  is hereby established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws for the purpose of making an investigation and study relative to supporting self-management in the care of patients, with a focus on patients with chronic illness.  The investigation and study shall include: (i) an assessment of current research on the subject of patient self-management and self-support, and whether there exist evidence-based, best or promising practices; (ii) a review of current policies and practices with respect to their impact on the ability of a patient to manage chronic diseases; (iii) the provision of assistance to the department of public health, other state agencies and organizations for the development of professional and public educational materials and programs on chronic disease care self-management and general healthcare self-management; (iv) the provision of assistance to the department of public health, other state agencies and organizations relative to applications for federal funding to support efforts consistent with the mission and purpose of the commission; and (v) any other matters that the commission considers relevant to the fulfillment of its mission and purpose.

     Said commission shall provide guidance and advice to the governor, the general court and the secretary of health and human services relative to current status of supporting self-management, particularly in the care of patients with chronic illness, including, but not limited to, best and promising practices and recommend policies, including legislation, to promote greater public awareness of self-management care options for patients.  The special commission may conduct public hearings, forums or meetings to gather information and to raise awareness of self-management care options for patients, particularly those with chronic illness, including the sponsorship of or participation in statewide or regional conferences.

     Said commission shall report to the general court the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry its recommendations into effect, by filing the same with the clerk of the senate and the clerk of the house of representatives on or before December 31, 2018.