HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3737        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Bradley H. Jones, Jr.

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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 establishing a commission to study the promotion of direct primary care services.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3737        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act establishing a commission to study the promotion of direct primary care services.

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. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a commission to study the benefits of direct primary care practices, and how these services can be promoted in Massachusetts to ease the burden on the state's healthcare system and promote access to care. 

SECTION 2. The commission shall study and report on the benefits of direct primary care services, including, but not limited to, reduced health care and prescription drug costs, cost transparency, enhanced access to care, and improved health outcomes. The commission’s report shall include strategies for promoting direct primary care services in the commonwealth, including any policy recommendations to expand access to and increase public awareness of these services.

SECTION 3. The commission shall consist of the secretary of the executive office of health & human services or their designee, who shall serve as the chair; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public health; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on healthcare financing; the CEO of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, or their designee; 2 representatives from the direct primary care industry to be appointed by the secretary of the executive office of health & human services; 1 member to be appointed by the minority leader of the house; and 1 member to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate.

SECTION 4. The commission shall hold no fewer than 3 public hearings to gather input from stakeholders, including, but not limited to, representatives of hospital and health systems, direct primary care physicians, and patient advocacy organizations.

SECTION 5. The commission shall file its report, including findings and recommendations, with the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on public health, and the joint committee on healthcare financing not later than 12 months after the effective date of this act.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect immediately upon passage.