Health and Human Services Amendments

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-350

EHS 350

Access to Hormonal Contraceptives

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

“SECTION __. Chapter 94C, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, after section 19D, the following section:-

Section 19E. A registered pharmacist may prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to a person who is:

(a) At least 18 years of age, regardless of whether the person has evidence of a previous prescription from a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner for a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; or

(b) Under 18 years of age, only if the person has evidence of a previous prescription from a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner for a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive.

The board shall adopt rules to establish, in consultation with the Massachusetts Medical Board, the Massachusetts State Board of Nursing and the MassHealth, and in consideration of guidelines established by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, standard procedures for the prescribing of hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives by pharmacists. The rules adopted under this subsection must require a pharmacist to:

(a) Complete a training program approved by the State Board of Pharmacy that is related to prescribing hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives;

(b) Provide a self-screening risk assessment tool that the patient must use prior to the pharmacist’s prescribing the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive;

(c) Refer the patient to the patient’s primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner upon prescribing and dispensing the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive;

(d) Provide the patient with a written record of the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive prescribed and dispensed and advise the patient to consult with a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner; and

(e) Dispense the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive to the patient as soon as practicable after the pharmacist issues the prescription.

The rules adopted must prohibit a pharmacist from:

(a) Requiring a patient to schedule an appointment with the pharmacist for the prescribing or dispensing of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; and

(b) Prescribing and dispensing a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive to a patient who does not have evidence of a clinical visit for women’s health within the three years immediately following the initial prescription and dispensation of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive by a pharmacist to the patient.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-350-R1

Redraft EHS 350

Access to Hormonal Contraceptives

Messrs. Moore, Cyr and Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 18 the following section:-

“SECTION 18A. Chapter 94C of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 19E the following section:-

(i) 18 years of age or older, regardless of whether the person has evidence of a previous prescription from a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner for a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; or

(ii) Under 18 years of age, if the person has evidence of a previous prescription from a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner for a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive.

(c) The rules adopted under this subsection shall: (i) require a pharmacist to: (A) complete a training program approved by the board of registration in pharmacy that is related to prescribing hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives; (B) provide a self-screening risk assessment tool that the patient shall use prior to the pharmacist prescribing the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; (C) refer the patient to the patient’s primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner upon prescribing and dispensing the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; (D) provide the patient with a written record of the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive prescribed and dispensed and advise the patient to consult with a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner; and (E) dispense the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive to the patient as soon as practicable after the pharmacist issues the prescription; and (ii) prohibit a pharmacist from: (A) requiring a patient to schedule an appointment with the pharmacist for the prescribing or dispensing of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; and (B) prescribing and dispensing a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive to a patient who previously received a prescription and dispensation of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive by a pharmacist and who does not have evidence of a clinical visit for physical health within 1 year immediately following such previous prescription and dispensation.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-350-R2

2nd Redraft EHS 350

Access to Hormonal Contraceptives

Messrs. Moore, Cyr and Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Payano, Keenan, Brady and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 18 the following section:-

“SECTION 18A. Chapter 94C of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 19E the following section:-

Section 19F. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a registered pharmacist may prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to any person, regardless of whether the person has evidence of a previous prescription from a primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner for a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive.

(b) The department, in consultation with the board of registration in medicine, the board of registration in pharmacy and the division of medical assistance, and in consideration of guidelines established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, shall adopt rules to establish: (i) standard procedures for the prescribing of hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives by pharmacists; and (ii) the time frame in which a patient shall have evidence, as defined by the department, of a clinical visit from a primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner immediately following a previous prescription and dispensation of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive by a pharmacist.

(c) The rules adopted in subsection (b) shall: (i) require a pharmacist to: (A) complete a training program approved by the board of registration in pharmacy that is related to prescribing hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives; (B) provide a self-screening risk assessment tool that the patient shall use prior to the pharmacist prescribing the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; (C) refer the patient to the patient’s primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner, if applicable, upon prescribing and dispensing the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive or advise the patient to consult with a primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner; (D) provide the patient with a written record of the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive prescribed and dispensed; and (E) dispense the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive to the patient as soon as practicable after the pharmacist issues the prescription; and (ii) prohibit a pharmacist from: (A) requiring a patient to schedule an appointment with the pharmacist for the prescribing or dispensing of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive; and (B) prescribing and dispensing a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive to a patient who previously received a prescription and dispensation of a hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive by a pharmacist and who does not have evidence of a clinical visit within the time frame established under clause (ii) of subsection (b).

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-351-R1

Redraft EHS 351

Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs

Messrs. Velis, Gomez, Oliveira, Eldridge, Collins, Lewis and Tarr, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Moore, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Timilty, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Brady, Cronin, O'Connor, Feeney and Fattman, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Lovely, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$2,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,700,000”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-351

EHS 351

Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs

Messrs. Velis, Gomez, Oliveira, Eldridge, Collins, Lewis and Tarr, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Moore, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Timilty, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Brady, Cronin, O'Connor, Feeney and Fattman and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$2,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-352

EHS 352

Disabled American Veterans

Messrs. Velis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0250, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $914,000 shall be expended to the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts Service Fund, Inc.".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-352-R1

Redraft EHS 352

Disabled American Veterans

Messrs. Velis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Cronin, O'Connor and Cyr, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0250, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $914,000 shall be expended for the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts Service Fund, Inc. to provide counseling and benefits assistance to disabled veterans and their families".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-353

EHS 353

MCPAP and MCPAP for Moms

Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Keenan, Tarr, Moore, O'Connor, Feeney, Fattman and Collins, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by striking out the figure "$3,875,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,500,000"; and by striking the figure "$119,289,950 " and by inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$119,914,950."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-354

EHS 354

Physicians and Mental Health

Messrs. Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after section 60 the following section:-

SECTION __. Section 5f of chapter 112 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the fifth sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:- "The board may, by regulation, exempt a health care provider from the reporting obligation under this section, as to a physician who is in compliance with the requirements of a mental health, drug or alcohol program satisfactory to the board, or who has successfully concluded such a program subsequent to the actions or circumstances as to which reporting would otherwise be required."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-354-R1

Redraft EHS 354

Physicians and Mental Health

Messrs. Velis, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 19 the following section:-

“SECTION 19A. Section 5F of chapter 112 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “a”, in line 23, the following words:- mental health,”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-355

EHS 355

Youth Access Centers

Mr. Moore, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Tarr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Feeney and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following:- “provided further, that not less than $1,425,000 shall be expended for the young adult access centers; provided further that not less than $1,140,000 of that amount shall be expended for the creation of two new access centers, one in South Worcester County, and one on the Cape and Islands"; and by striking out the figure "$119,289,950" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$120,714,950".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-357

EHS 357

Increasing the safety of individuals with disabilities relying on life-support equipment

Messrs. O'Connor and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:

"SECTION XX. Section 51D of Chapter 111 is hereby amended by striking lines 82 to 84, inclusive, and inserting thereof the following:-

(6) scheduled follow-up medical appointments or verification that such information was provided separately;

(7) descriptions of any pharmaceutical, rehabilitative, or life-supporting technology, machinery, or equipment required to maintain medical stability, together with instructions for maintenance and upkeep of said technology; and

(8) such other information as the department may require.

SECTION XX. Said section 51D is hereby further amended by adding, after the word “services” in line 154, the following:-

Prior to the release of a client of the department from acute, chronic, or long term care from a hospital, the hospital shall communicate the discharge plan and provisions for aftercare services to registered nurse or licensed practical nurse employed at the patient’s residence or, in the case of a client with intellectual or developmental disabilities, residential facility. In the case of a client with intellectual or developmental disabilities, prior to the release of a client from a hospital, a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who receives a discharge plan must review the discharge plan with particular adherence to requirements to maintain life-supporting technology, machinery, or equipment used in the client’s residence or residential facility, as well as any individualized education program or individualized service plan that exists under the client’s name, and must sign in writing to acknowledge a full understanding of the requirements of the discharge plan and knowledge of any individualized education program or individualized service plan. The registered nurse or licensed practical nurse shall advise any residential facility personnel, family members, and personal care attendants on the requirements of the discharge plan, as well as any hospital recommendations, to ensure constant protection and safety of the client.

SECTION XX. The department of public health shall develop guidelines and regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. The department of public health shall conduct any necessary public awareness campaigns necessary to publicize the provisions of this Act and to ensure that families of clients, hospitals, and medical facilities are aware of their respective rights and responsibilities under this Act. The department shall post on its website guidance, regulations, and any other informational materials that may assist clients’ families, hospitals, and medical facilities in the implementation of and compliance with this Act.

SECTION XX. This act shall go into effect immediately upon its passage."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-358

EHS 358

Graduate Nursing Practice Extension

Messrs. Velis, Pacheco and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX. Chapter 20 of the acts of 2021, as amended by chapter 42 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended in Section 25 by striking out the words “(iii) the health care services are provided in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; and (iv) the employing licensed health care facility or licensed health care provider has verified that the individual is a graduate of a registered nursing or practical nursing program approved by the board or that the individual is a senior nursing student attending the last semester of a registered nursing or practical nursing program approved by the board” and replacing them with the following:-

“and (iii) the employing licensed health care facility or licensed health care provider has verified that the individual is a graduate of a registered nursing or practical nursing program approved by the board or that the individual is a senior nursing student attending the last semester of a registered nursing or practical nursing program approved by the board”;

And by striking out Section 31A and inserting in place thereof the following:-

"Section 31A. Section 27A shall take effect on June 30, 2024."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-359-R1

Redraft EHS 359

Youth and Family Support

Mr. Moore and Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended to the city of Worcester for costs related to emergency housing for unsheltered families; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Auburn Youth and Family Services, Inc. for building improvements; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$180,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-359

EHS 359

Youth and Family Support

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $48,000 shall be expended to the city of Worcester for costs related to emergency housing for unsheltered families; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Auburn Youth and Family Services, Inc. for building improvements; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the CASA Project, Inc. in the city of Worcester for expanded operations and foster care support and advocacy programs”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$268,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-360

EHS 360

Contingency Management Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder

Messrs. Velis, Keenan, O'Connor, Timilty and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $5,000,000 shall be expended for contingency management programs to support individuals with stimulant use disorder"; and by striking out the figure "$213,274,161" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$218,274,161".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-362

EHS 362

Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program

Messrs. Velis, Rush, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by striking out the following figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$3,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$9,669,222” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,669,222”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-362-R1

Redraft EHS 362

Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program

Messrs. Velis, Rush, O'Connor, Cyr and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by striking out the following figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,500,000”; and by striking out the figure “$9,669,222” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,169,222”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-363

EHS 363

State-funded SNAP Assistance and TAFDC Benefits for Non-citizens

Messrs. DiDomenico, Eldridge and Moore, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gomez, Lewis, Cronin, Brady, Crighton and Cyr, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Payano, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Feeney and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after item 4400-1001 the following item:-

"XXXX-XXXX For a program of nutritional assistance for non-citizen individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program established under 7 U.S.C. §2011 et seq. except for the program requirements related to immigration status or citizenship; provided further, said individuals must either be lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law; provided further, that nutrition assistance benefits authorized under this section shall be provided at the same level and subject to the same requirements as benefits provided by the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program with the exception of the immigration status or citizenship requirements; provided further, that the Department of Transitional Assistance shall comprehensively screen all applicants and their dependents to ensure that those eligible for the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program receive benefits under that program; and provided further, that notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law or of this item to the contrary,75 days before implementing any eligibility or benefit changes or both to the program, the commissioner shall file with the House and Senate committees on ways and means and with the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate a determination by the secretary of health and human services that available appropriations for said program will be insufficient to meet projected expenses and a report setting forth the basis for, and text of, such proposed changes. ……………………………………………… .$15,000,000"

and further moves to amend the bill in section 2 by inserting after item 4403-2000 the following item:

"XXXX-XXXX For a program of transitional cash assistance benefits for non-citizen children, parents and pregnant women who meet the eligibility requirements of Chapter 118 of the General Laws except for the program requirements related to immigration status or citizenship; provided further, that said individuals must either be lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law; provided further, that the cash assistance benefits authorized under this section shall be provided at the same level and subject to the same requirements as benefits provided under Chapter 118 with the exception of the immigration status or citizenship requirements; provided further, that the Department of Transitional Assistance shall comprehensively screen all applicants and their dependents to ensure that those eligible for cash assistance under Chapter 118 receive benefits under that program; and provided further, that notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law or of this item to the contrary, 75 days before implementing any eligibility or benefit changes or both to the the program, the commissioner shall file with the House and Senate committees on Ways and Means and with the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate a determination by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that available appropriations for said program will be insufficient to meet projected expenses and a report setting forth the basis for, and text of, such proposed changes. …………………………………. $3,000,000"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-364

EHS 364

Floating Hospital

Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5011-0100, by adding the following:- "; provided further, no less than $50,000 be expended on a study to investigate in consultation with the Naval Construction and Marine Engineering program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the feasibility of converting a decommissioned ship or other water-based vessel into a floating hospital for mental health, substance abuse, and recovery services; a report shall be submitted to the office of the Clerk of the House, office of the Clerk of the Senate, House Committee on Ways and Means, Senate Committee on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and the Joint Committee on Veteran and Federal Affairs, no later than February 15, 2024"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-364-R1

Redraft EHS 364

Floating Hospital

Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5011-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for a study conducted by the department of mental health, in consultation with the naval construction and marine engineering program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, on the feasibility of converting a decommissioned ship or other water-based vessel into a floating hospital for mental health, substance use treatment and recovery services; provided further, that not later than February 15, 2024, the department shall submit a report to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs"; and by striking out the figure “$33,100,191” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$33,150,191”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-365

EHS 365

YouthConnect

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, in the final line, by inserting after “2025” the following: “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for YouthConnect to provide community-based mental health services to high-risk youth and their families residing in the East Boston community"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-367

EHS 367

DPH Airplane Noise Study

Messrs. Timilty, Eldridge and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section: -  

"SECTION XX.  The department of public health shall commission a study of the health and noise impacts of airplane flights directed to and from the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport on residents of communities that are represented on the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee. 

The study shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the health and noise impacts of airplane flights on such residents who are exposed to conditions related to noise and air pollution emanating from airplane flights, including asthma exacerbation, sleep disturbance, stress and elevated blood pressure; provided, that the study shall particularly consider the health impacts on residents living partly or wholly beneath the flight paths most frequently used by aircraft flying, including landing or during takeoff, at an altitude of 10,000 feet. 

The department shall submit a report detailing the findings of its study to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on public health and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2023.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-368-R1

Redraft EHS 368

It's Hip to be HIP

Ms. Gobi, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Gomez, Tarr, Eldridge, Mark and Crighton, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Feeney, Payano, Cronin, Lewis and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1004, in line 3, by adding after the word "shall" the following words:- "operate the program as a year-round, 12-month program and,"; and by striking out the figure "$5,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$24,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-368

EHS 368

It's Hip to be HIP

Ms. Gobi and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1004, by striking out the figure "$5,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$24,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-371

EHS 371

College Navigator Program

Ms. Gobi, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Oliveira and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-4000, by adding at the end thereof the following:- "; provided further that not less than $400,000 shall be expended for College Navigator services";

and by striking out the figure "$13,325,279" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$13,725,279”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-372

EHS 372

Veterans’ Bonus Eligibility

Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Montigny, Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after section XX the following section:-

SECTION XX. Paragraph (1), subsection (b) of section 78 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, as most recently amended by chapter 124 of the acts of 2020, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “however” the following words:- "any veteran discharged or released under other than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status, based on such veteran’s DD-214 form or equivalent documentation, shall be eligible for a bonus under this section"; and

Subsection (g) of said section 78 is hereby further amended by striking the word “service” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "service, unless any veteran is discharged or released under other than honorable conditions yet deemed eligible pursuant to paragraph (1), subsection (b) of this section."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-372-R1

Redraft EHS 372

Veterans’ Bonus Eligibility

Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Montigny, Keenan, O'Connor, Payano and Cyr and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 7 the following 2 sections:-

“SECTION 7A. Section 78 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting, after the word “service”, in line 23, the following words:- ; and provided further, that any veteran discharged or released under other than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or HIV status based on the veteran’s DD-214 form or equivalent documentation shall be eligible for a bonus under this section.

SECTION 7B. Said section 78 of said chapter 10, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “service”, in line 118, the following words:- or to a veteran discharged or released under other than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or HIV status based on the veteran’s DD-214 form or equivalent documentation.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-373

EHS 373

Mifepristone Access

Ms. Creem, Messrs. Cyr and Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1005, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be transferred to the Public University Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund for the purpose of reimbursements to public universities for abortion medications”, and by striking the figure "$21,460,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure, "$22,460,000."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-373-R1

Redraft EHS 373

Mifepristone Access

Ms. Creem, Messrs. Cyr and Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1005, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be transferred to the Public University Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund established in section 47 of chapter 15A of the General Laws to reimburse public universities for abortion medications”; and by striking out the figure "$21,460,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$22,460,000.".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-374

EHS 374

Geriatric Mental Health Services

Messrs. Velis and Montigny, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Gomez and Cyr, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Feeney, Keenan, O'Connor, Lewis and Pacheco, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Collins and Timilty, Ms. Edwards and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1640, by striking out the figure “$2,500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,500,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-375

EHS 375

Head Injury Treatment Services

Messrs. Feeney, Eldridge, Moore, Keenan and Cronin, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. Brady, Velis, O'Connor, Timilty and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-6000, by striking out the figure $27,919,083 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$28,507,283".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-377

EHS 377

Nashoba Learning Group, Inc

Messrs. Barrett, Eldridge, Crighton, Cronin, Brady and Keenan and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5911-1003, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,400,000 shall be expended for the Nashoba Learning Group, Inc. as compensation for continuing to provide day services to individuals enrolled in its day habilitation program and community-based day services programs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce crisis”; and by striking out the figure “$91,022,294” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$92,422,294”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-378

EHS 378

Nursing Home Administrator Regulatory Compliance

Messrs. Velis, Gomez and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0721, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the board of nursing home administrators shall review compliance, as established in 105 CMR 150, of facilities closed between January 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024; and provided further, that not later than September 1, 2024, the board shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on elder affairs that shall include, but not be limited to, compliance issues and violations of said nursing home closure regulations, as established in 105 CMR 150.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-378-R1

Redraft EHS 378

Nursing Home Administrator Regulatory Compliance

Messrs. Velis, Gomez and Montigny and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0721, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the board of registration of nursing home administrators shall review facilities closed between January 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024, inclusive, for compliance with 105 CMR 150; provided further, that not later than September 1, 2024, the board shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on elder affairs that shall include, but not be limited to, accounts of compliance issues and violations of said regulations”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-379-R1

Redraft EHS 379

Pre-Trial Residential: Level funding for the Detention Diversion Advocacy Program

Messrs. Barrett and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of youth services shall expend not less than $600,000 for the detention diversion advocacy program coordinated by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Inc. to prevent high-risk juveniles presenting before the court from penetrating further into the juvenile justice system”; and by striking out the figure “$29,095,432” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,695,432”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-379

EHS 379

Pre-Trial Residential: Level funding for the Detention Diversion Advocacy Program

Messrs. Barrett and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $600,000 for the detention diversion advocacy program coordinated by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Inc. to prevent high-risk juveniles presenting before the court from penetrating further into the juvenile justice system”; and by striking out the figure “$29,095,432” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,695,432”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-380

EHS 380

Services for Children & Families

Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0038, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $750,000 be expended for the Center for Early Relationship Support, including for the Fragile Beginnings program, Project Newborns Exposed to Substances: Support and Therapy and related clinical and community services for vulnerable families with children from birth to age five”; and by striking out the figure “$354,543,909” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$355,293,909”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-380-R1

Redraft EHS 380

Services for Children & Families

Mr. Barrett and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0038, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Inc.’s Center for Early Relationship Support, including to support the Fragile Beginnings program, Project Newborns Exposed to Substances: Support and Therapy and related clinical and community services for vulnerable families with children from birth to age 5, inclusive”; and by striking out the figure “$354,543,909” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$355,043,909”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-381

EHS 381

Free Period

Messrs. O'Connor and Mark, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Fattman, Payano and Feeney, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Cronin and Crighton, Ms. Lovely and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following:- “provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to St. John the Evangelist Church in the town of Hingham to support the program known as Free Period to provide free feminine hygiene products to those in need;” and

by striking out the figure “$1,250,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,750,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-382

EHS 382

Forestdale arboretum in the City of Malden

Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- " provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the City of Malden to establish an arboretum at Forestdale cemetery;" and by striking out the figure "$104,882,351" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$104,957,351"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-383

EHS 383

Dementia Care Coordination

Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Gomez and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Feeney, Keenan, Montigny, O'Connor, Timilty, Pacheco and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter, to expand access to an evidence-based program, Dementia Care Coordination, DCC, in order to reduce hospitalizations, emergency department visits and delay long-term care placements; and by striking the figure “$213,760,442” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$214,060,442.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-384

EHS 384

Geriatric Psychiatric Patients Task Force

Ms. Jehlen, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section___ the following section:-

"SECTION___. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall convene a task force to include representatives from the relevant state agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health, MassHealth, and the relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the MA Association of Behavioral Health Systems, Massachusetts Hospital Association, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, LeadingAge MA, and Dignity Alliance, to consider the problem, and issue recommendations, concerning stuck geriatric psychiatric patients who are ready to be discharged from acute care in a geriatric psychiatric unit to a nursing home, but for whom placement beds are not available for extended periods. The task force shall publish a report, with recommendations for solutions necessary to address this problem, by December 31, 2023."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-384-R1

Redraft EHS 384

Geriatric Psychiatric Patients Task Force

Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 53 the following section:-

"SECTION 53A. (a) There shall be a task force to study geriatric psychiatric patients who are ready to be discharged from acute care in a geriatric psychiatric unit to a nursing home but for whom placement beds are not available for extended periods and to issue recommendations to support the geriatric psychiatric care pipeline.

(b) The task force shall consist of: the secretary of elder affairs or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of mental health or a designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of public health or a designee; the assistant secretary for MassHealth or a designee; and 5 members appointed by the co-chairs, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of LeadingAge Massachusetts, Inc. and 1 of whom shall be a representative of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts, Inc..

(c) Not later than January 31, 2024, the task force shall submit its report, including any proposed legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on elder affairs and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery.".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-385

EHS 385

Mental Health Parity Implementation

Messrs. Cyr and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Velis and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Collins and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0029, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for implementation and enforcement of mental health parity protections established under chapter 177 of the acts of 2022, including but not limited to hiring staff, screening, investigating, and adjudicating consumer and provider parity complaints, and conducting market conduct exams”; and by striking out the figure “$1,060,794” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,560,794".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-385-R1

Redraft EHS 385

Mental Health Parity Implementation

Messrs. Cyr and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Velis and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Collins and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0029, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for implementation and enforcement of mental health parity protections established in chapter 177 of the acts of 2022 including, but not limited to, hiring staff, screening, investigating and adjudicating consumer and provider parity complaints and conducting market conduct exams”; and by striking out the figure “$1,060,794” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,310,794".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-386

EHS 386

Champion Plan

Messrs. Brady and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Champion Plan, Inc. within the city of Brockton”, and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-387

EHS 387

Certified Medication Aides

Messrs. Tarr, Finegold and Fattman and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after Section ____ the following section:-

"SECTION_. Chapter 111, as appearing in the Massachusetts General Laws 2018 Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, after section 72BB the following new section:-

Section 72CC. (a) As used in this section the following words shall have the following meaning:- A certified medication aide means a staff member, who meets the eligibility requirements, has successfully completed the required training and competency testing developed by the Department of Public Health, and is considered competent to administer medications to residents in long-term care facilities.

(b) The Department shall create a program for the administration of medications in long-term care facilities by certified medication aides in consultation with all necessary and relevant appropriate agencies, and licensing boards, including, but not limited to, the board of registration in Nursing.

(c) The Department shall develop and approve training curricula, competency evaluation procedures, standards for qualifications of applicants for certification and monitoring and oversight requirements for participating long-term care facilities.

(d) The Department shall establish regulations that include: (1) provisions for continuing education requirements for certified medication aides; (2) requirements for re-certification of certified medication aides on a biennial basis; and (3) fees for the issuance of certification to certified medication aides.

(e) The Department shall allow for the creation of apprenticeship programs for currently employed resident care assistants (RCAs) and certified nurse aides (CNAs) to become certified medication aides.

(f) The Department may promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-388

EHS 388

Providing Regional Hospice and Palliative Care

Messrs. O'Connor and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $35,000 shall be expended to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. in the town of Norwell;” and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$135,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-388-R1

Redraft EHS 388

Providing Regional Hospice and Palliative Care

Messrs. O'Connor and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $35,000 shall be expended to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. in the town of Norwell;” and by striking out the figure “$213,760,442” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$213,795,442”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-389-R1

Redraft EHS 389

HIV/AIDS Treatment & Prevention

Messrs. Cyr and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0103, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that funds from this item may be made available to the permanent commission on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth as established in section 67 of chapter 3 of the General Laws for community education, training, guidance, technical assistance and policy recommendations regarding social determinants of health for LGBTQ+ youth”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-389

EHS 389

HIV/AIDS Treatment & Prevention

Messrs. Cyr and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0103, by striking out the figure "$33,756,864" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$39,157,464".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-390

EHS 390

Cape Verdean Association Elder Program

Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by adding the following words:- ''; provided further, that $25,000 shall be expended for the Cape Verdean Association Elder Program to provide social daytime health programs to enhance the quality of life in the city of Brockton "; and by striking out the figure ''$213,795,442" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$213,795,467''.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-391

EHS 391

Providing Regional Low-Income Dental Hygiene

Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by adding the following words:- “;

provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the Visiting Dental Hygiene, Inc. to provide mobile hygiene care for low-income and homebound residents” and by striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,843,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-392-R1

Redraft EHS 392

Relative to fetal opioid drug exposure

Messrs. Tarr and Moore, Ms. Moran and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 53 the following section:-

“SECTION 53A. (a) The department of developmental services, in collaboration with the department of public health and the department of mental health, shall conduct a study on the occurrence and impact of neonatal abstinence syndrome in the commonwealth. The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a review of current protocols, policies and programs related to neonatal abstinence syndrome; (ii) an analysis of the impact of neonatal abstinence syndrome, including, but not limited to, an evaluation of disproportionately impacted populations; (iii) a review of scientific evidence and data related to diagnosis and treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome; and (iv) an examination of the need for support services for children diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

(b) Not later than July 1, 2024, the department shall submit a report of its findings and any recommendations to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the joint committee on public health.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-392

EHS 392

Relative to fetal opioid drug exposure

Messrs. Tarr and Moore and Ms. Moran moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following:-

"SECTION _. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary the commissioner of the department of developmental services shall include fetal opioid drug exposure and addiction under the definition of Closely Related Developmental Conditions as defined under 115 CMR 2 and 115 CMR 6.06(1). The commissioner of the department of development services shall at their discretion include additional diagnosis as part of the definition of closely related developmental condition."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-393

EHS 393

ForsythKids Dental Program

Mr. Crighton, Ms. Gobi, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by inserting after the word “programs” the following:- “provided further, that $475,000 shall be expended for the Forsyth Institute’s Center for Children’s Oral Health to expand its ForsythKids programming focused on children and adolescents and to explore the emerging association between oral health status and academic performance”; and by striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$11,308,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-394

EHS 394

Meals on Wheels

Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge and Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Tarr, Rush and Gomez, Ms. Gobi and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by striking the figure "$11,872,860" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$15,272,852”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-394-R1

Redraft EHS 394

Meals on Wheels

Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge and Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Tarr, Rush and Gomez, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Brady, Payano, Feeney, Velis, Keenan and Montigny, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. O'Connor, Pacheco and Timilty, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by striking out the figure "$11,872,860" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,872,860”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-395

EHS 395

Grab and Go Meals

Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following:- "provided further that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the grab and go meals for the Council on Aging in the town of East Bridgewater”; and by striking out the figure "$26,300,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ''$26,310,000''.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-396-R1

Redraft EHS 396

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Corporation for community resources and care navigation services to assist vulnerable persons and families, including recently arrived migrants, with health-related social needs"; and by striking out the figure “$5,600,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,850,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-396

EHS 396

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "provided, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Corporation for community resources and care navigation services to assist vulnerable persons and families, including recently arrived migrants, with health-related social needs".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-398

EHS 398

Local Health Emergency Preparedness

Messrs. Cyr and Tarr, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2022, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that funds may be used by grantees for emergency preparedness activities and other emerging needs”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-399-R1

Redraft EHS 399

Assistive Technology Loan Program/REquipment Durable Medical Equipment Reuse program

Messrs. Brady and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Feeney and Pacheco and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-4000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Requipment Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Assistive Technology (AT) Reuse Program, Inc.”; and by striking out the figure “13,325,279” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$13,825,279”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-399

EHS 399

Assistive Technology Loan Program/REquipment Durable Medical Equipment Reuse program

Messrs. Brady and Moore, Ms. Kennedy and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by striking out item 4120-4000 and inserting in place thereof the following item:-

''4120-4000 For community-based services, which shall include, but not be limited to, protective services, adult support services, assistive technology services and the annualization of funding for turning 22 program clients who began receiving services in fiscal year 2023 under item 4120-4010 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022; provided, that not less than $2,420,000 shall be expended for assistive technology services ..................................$13,825,279''.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-400

EHS 400

Permissible Use Standards for Home Care Agencies

Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Montigny, Mark and Oliveira, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Lewis, Brady, Cronin, Rush and Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Pacheco and Cyr, Ms. Moran, Mr. Payano, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Feeney, Velis and Keenan, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Moore and Collins and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-6903, by inserting after the words “any human service provider receiving revenue under said Chapter 257” the following:- “, and any home care agency subcontracting with such human service providers to provide home care services,”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-401

EHS 401

Bread of Life in the City of Malden furnishings and equipment

Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $85,000 shall be expended to Bread of Life, Inc., in the City of Malden for furnishings and equipment;" and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$185,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-402

EHS 402

Off-Island Medical Transport

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that funds shall be expended to the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Martha's Vineyard Hospital for off-island medical transportation, including the transportation of patients with behavioral health conditions".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-404

EHS 404

Boston Med Flight

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the critical care operations of New England Life Flight, Inc."; and by striking out the figure "$133,800,335" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$133,950,335".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-405

EHS 405

LGBTQIA+ Aging Project

Mr. Cyr, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Timilty and O'Connor, Ms. Lovely and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by striking the following words:- "provided further, that funding shall be expended for a contract with the LGBT Aging Project for provider training including, but not limited to, home care and home health providers, councils on aging, skilled nursing facilities and adult day health programs and outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning older adults and to caregivers;" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "provided further, that no less than $150,000 in funding shall be expended for a contract with the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project for LGBTQ provider training and technical assistance including, but not limited to, home care and home health providers, councils on aging, skilled nursing facilities, and adult day health programs and outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning older adults and to caregivers;".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-405-R1

Redraft EHS 405

LGBTQIA+ Aging Project

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-406

EHS 406

Recovery Works

Messrs. Crighton, Eldridge, Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $950,000 shall be expended for the RecoveryWorks program at Massachusetts General Hospital to enhance long term recovery of individuals as they seek to enter, return, or shift careers in the workforce by (i) offering them mentorship, individualized career guidance, career-focused workshops, recovery and employment related educational and skill-based groups, and assistance with removing barriers; (ii) partnering with employers and organizations on education and anti-stigma efforts; and (iii) creating a community of recovery-oriented systems including people in addiction recovery, their families, employers, organizations, and local resources.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-406-R1

Redraft EHS 406

Recovery Works

Messrs. Crighton, Eldridge, Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $950,000 shall be expended for the RecoveryWorks program at Massachusetts General Hospital to assist individuals in recovery as they seek to enter, return to or shift careers by: (i) offering mentorship, individualized career guidance and career-focused workshops; (ii) partnering with employers and organizations on education and anti-stigma efforts; and (iii) creating a recovery-oriented community that includes people in addiction recovery, their families, employers, organizations and local resources”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-407

EHS 407

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Mentor 2.0 Program

Mr. Crighton, Ms. Miranda and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, in the last line, by inserting after “commonwealth” the following:- "and provided further that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Mentor 2.0 program”; and by striking out the figure $7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “7,400,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-408-R1

Redraft EHS 408

Maternal-Child Health Network Needs Assessment

Messrs. Pacheco and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that funds may be expended to Manet Community Health Center, Incorporated to coordinate a health needs assessment to identify barriers to maternal and child healthcare and develop inclusive programs to improve local maternal and child healthcare access in the Greater Taunton and Attleboro area."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-408

EHS 408

Maternal-Child Health Network Needs Assessment

Messrs. Pacheco and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, within the existing appropriation funds may be expended for a maternal-child health needs assessment of the Greater Taunton/Attleboro area to be coordinated by Manet Community Health, to identify barriers to maternity and childcare and to develop inclusive programs to improve and enhance local access to such care."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-409

EHS 409

Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging

Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Montigny and O'Connor, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project at Fenway Health to support the permanent commission on older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, adults and their caregivers established in section 71 of chapter 3 of the General Laws"; and by striking out the figure "$5,001,799 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,051,799"; and

By inserting after section 3 the following 8 sections:-

“SECTION 3A. Section 71 of chapter 3 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the words “bisexual and transgender, or” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning or.

SECTION 3B. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 2, 17, 18, 24, 28, 30, 34, 40, 45 and 47, the word “LGBT” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following word:- LGBTQ.

SECTION 3C. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 7, the word “LGBT” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- LGBTQIA+.

SECTION 3D. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 8 and 9, the words “Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Inc.” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Inc.

SECTION 3E. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 9, the word “National” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- New England.

SECTION 3F. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “MassEquality”, in line 10, the following words:- Org, the Campaign for Equality, Inc.

SECTION 3G. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 14, the word “Aides” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- Aide

SECTION 3H. Said section 71 of said chapter 3, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 18, the word “elders” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- older adults.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-409-R1

Redraft EHS 409

Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging

Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Montigny and O'Connor, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project at Fenway Health to support the permanent commission on older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults and their caregivers established in section 71 of chapter 3 of the General Laws"; and by striking out the figure "$5,001,799 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,051,799".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-410

EHS 410

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center to address unmet acute patient health needs, including but not limited to medical and behavioral health, community support and pharmacy services, at a satellite clinic at the former DyeWorks mill building in partnership with Lawrence CommunityWorks"; and by striking out the figure "$5,600,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,725,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-411

EHS 411

Restoration of MassHealth Crossover Payments

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 22 the following section:-

“SECTION 22A. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all ambulance ground transportation provided to MassHealth Fee-for-Service and Managed Care Plan members who are also Medicare eligible shall be paid at the applicable Medicare rate.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-412

EHS 412

DPH-DMH Hospital Mitigation Fund

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0915, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $500,000 to municipalities hosting a department of public health facility that also acts as a department of mental health continuing care facility; provided, however, that such funding shall not be expended to a municipality if such facility also operates as a department of correction facility”; and by striking out the figure “$194,067,937” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$194,567,937”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-412-R1

Redraft EHS 412

DPH-DMH Hospital Mitigation Fund

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0915, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of public health shall expend not less than $500,000 to municipalities hosting a department of public health facility that also acts as a department of mental health continuing care facility; provided further, that said funds shall not be expended to a municipality if the department of public health facility also operates as a department of correction facility”; and by striking out the figure “$194,067,937” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$194,567,937”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-413

EHS 413

Alliance of YWCAs of Massachusetts

Messrs. Finegold and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Gomez, Montigny and Eldridge, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Velis, Lewis and Timilty and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$650,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,550,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-415

EHS 415

School Nurse Liaison Project

Messrs. Feeney, Eldridge and Gomez, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Keenan, Montigny, O'Connor, Timilty and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the School Nurse Liaison Project to support student mental health by providing education, training, and consultation support to public and nonpublic schools"; and by striking out the figure "$119,289,950" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$119,439,950".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-416

EHS 416

Hospital-Based EMS Grants

Messrs. Finegold and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4000-1701 the following item:-

“xxxx-xxxx For one-time grants administered by the executive office of health and human services for New England Life Flight, Inc., d/b/a Boston MedFlight, and hospital-based emergency medical services providers to address the ongoing emergency medical services workforce shortage and current hospital capacity crisis through staffing investments and incentives to recruit and retain both paramedics and emergency medicine technicians, and initiatives to relieve emergency department crowding and patient boarding. For the purposes of this item, “hospital-based emergency medical services providers” shall be defined as emergency medical services providers owned and operated by a hospital, as defined under section 51 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, or a health system anchored by one or more hospitals, as defined under said chapter; provided, however, that priority shall be given to hospital-based emergency medical services providers: (i) serving high Medicaid and Medicare populations in underserved areas of the commonwealth; (ii) experiencing low emergency medical services staffing levels; or (iii) experiencing emergency department capacity challenges and high levels of patient boarding; provided further, that staffing investments shall include sufficient funding for culturally and linguistically competent workforce recruitment, retention and training, including, but not limited to: (i) loan repayment programs; (ii) reimbursement for personnel training; or (iii) hiring and retention incentives to support the full spectrum of hospital-based emergency medical services providers; and provided further, that funds may be expended to establish or support community paramedicine or mobile integrated health care initiatives. Not later than November 1, 2023, the executive office of health and human services shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on health care financing detailing: (i) the funds distributed, delineated by hospital or health system; (ii) a description of workforce recruitment and hiring efforts funded to mitigate staffing shortages; and (iii) projected staffing and funding necessary to meet the emergency medical services workforce needs of all hospital-based emergency medical services providers……………$2,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-417

EHS 417

Extending Telehealth Reimbursement Parity

Messrs. Finegold and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Payano, Lewis and Gomez, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Collins, Ms. Miranda and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 32 the following sections:-

“SECTION 32A. Section 76 of chapter 260 of the acts of 2020 is hereby amended by deleting the words “Sections 63 and 69 are” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- Section 63 is.

SECTION 32B. Chapter 260 of the acts of 2020 is hereby amended by inserting after section 79 the following sections:-

SECTION 80. Section 69 is hereby repealed.

SECTION 81. Section 80 shall take effect on January 1, 2025.

SECTION 82. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the group insurance commission under chapter 32A of the General Laws, the division of medical assistance under chapter 118E of the General Laws, insurance companies organized under chapter 175 of the General Laws, non-profit hospital service corporations organized under chapter 176A of the General Laws, medical service corporations organized under chapter 176B of the General Laws, health maintenance organizations organized under chapter 176G of the General Laws and preferred provider organizations organized under chapter 176I of the General Laws shall ensure that the rates of payment for in-network providers of chronic disease management, as defined in section 1 of chapter 176O of the General Laws and primary care services, as defined in said section 1 of said chapter 176O, delivered via telehealth pursuant to section 30 of said chapter 32A, section 79 of said chapter 118E, section 47MM of said chapter 175, section 38 of said chapter 176A, section 25 of said chapter 176B, section 33 of said chapter 176G and section 13 of said chapter 176I are not less than the rates of payment for the same services delivered via in-person methods for all services rendered between January 1, 2023 and the effective date of this act.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-418-R1

Redraft EHS 418

Mental Health Workforce Pipeline

Mr. Crighton, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. O'Connor, Lewis, Collins and Brady and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-2020, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a pilot pipeline program to establish a culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse mental health worker pipeline between acute care hospitals and freestanding psychiatric facilities and local colleges; provided further, that the department shall administer the program in consultation with Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Inc.; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2024, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on higher education, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (1) a list of the partners in the pilot; (2) available demographic and geographic profile information of the students served in the program; (3) a summary of post-program employment or continuing education of participating students; and (4) any budgetary recommendations on ways to further expand the pilot program".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-418

EHS 418

Mental Health Workforce Pipeline

Mr. Crighton, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-2020, by inserting the following words:- ; provided further that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a pilot pipeline program to establish a culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse mental health worker pipeline between acute care hospitals and freestanding psychiatric facilities and local colleges; provided further that the department shall designate the Massachusetts health and hospital association to administer the program; provided further, that the department shall report to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint committee on higher education, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (a) a description of the partners in the pilot; (b) a demographic and geographic profile of the students served in the program; (c) a summary of post-program employment or continuing education of participating students; and (d) any budgetary recommendations on ways to further expand the pilot program"; and by striking out the figure “$12,534,773” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $12,784,773.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-419

EHS 419

Roca Lynn High-Risk Young Parents

Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4401-1000, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Roca to provide services targeted at young parents in the city of Lynn who are experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health concerns, domestic violence, or abuse; and to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, and self-sufficiency, and to build cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports”; and by striking out the figure "$19,675,509" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$19,925,509".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-420

EHS 420

Detox Transportation

Messrs. Tarr, Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by inserting after the word "system;" the following words:- (iv) transportation to detoxification facilities".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-421

EHS 421

Caregivers

Messrs. Tarr and Feeney, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Timilty, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Edwards, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION _. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the Secretary of Elder Affairs shall file an application to seek a waiver with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to amend the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ 1915(c) elderly waiver, and that any program of home and community based services in which family members are permitted to serve as paid caregivers, funded pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 118E shall include spouses within the definition of a family member."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-423

EHS 423

Regional EMS

Messrs. Tarr and Moore, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. O'Connor, Velis and Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0790, by striking the figure:-"$500,000" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"$1,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-424

EHS 424

Newmarket Back2Work Program

Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting after the words "intervention and recovery services" the following: "; provided further that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Newmarket Business Improvement District for their Homeless Back 2 Work Program"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-425

EHS 425

Infant Care Necessities

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by inserting at the end thereof the following:- "; provided further that the Department of Public Health shall make a request for approval from the United States Department of Agriculture for the expenditure of benefits on diapers for children and infants under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-426

EHS 426

Repealing the Sunset on Co-Pay Assistance

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ____. Sections 131 and 226 of Chapter 139 of the Acts of 2012 are hereby repealed."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-427

EHS 427

Citizenship for New Americans

Messrs. Tarr, Eldridge and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by striking the figure "$1,036,958" and inserting in place thereof the following figure " $1,286,958"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-427-R1

Redraft EHS 427

Citizenship for New Americans

Messrs. Tarr, Eldridge and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that funds may be transferred from item 4003-0111 to this item, as necessary, for the administration of the citizenship for new Americans program”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-428

EHS 428

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Messrs. Cyr and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Jehlen and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1026, by striking out the figure "$7,099,538" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$15,099,538".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-428-R1

Redraft EHS 428

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Messrs. Cyr and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Feeney and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1026, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for 988 suicide and crisis call centers for implementation and personnel costs, prior appropriation continued”; and by striking out the figure "$7,099,538" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$8,099,538".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-429-R1

Redraft EHS 429

Camp Harbor View Foundation

Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Camp Harbor View Foundation, Inc. to provide programming and family services at Camp Harbor View and its leadership academy”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-429

EHS 429

Camp Harbor View Foundation

Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following; provided further that no less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Camp Harbor View Foundation to provide programming and family services at Camp Harbor View and the Leadership Academy;

and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting the figure $600,000

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-430

EHS 430

Implementation of Count the Kicks Massachusetts

Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by inserting after the words "111 of the General Laws;" the following: - “provided that the department shall award not less than $274,850 to Count the Kicks Massachusetts to disseminate educational materials, invest in advertisements, and conduct training for providers and parents on fetal movement tracking to decrease stillbirth rates”; and in said item by striking out the figures “$8,810,806” and inserting in place thereof the following figures: “$9,085,656”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-434-R1

Redraft EHS 434

C-10 Research and Education Foundation

Messrs. Tarr and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0615, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 may be expended for the C-10 Research and Education Foundation, Inc. to provide radiological monitoring in the 6 communities of the commonwealth that are within the plume exposure emergency planning zone of the Seabrook nuclear power plant".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-434

EHS 434

C-10 Research and Education Foundation

Messrs. Tarr and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0615, by adding the following words:-"; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the C-10 Research and Education Foundation, Inc. to provide radiological monitoring in the 6 communities of the commonwealth that are within the plume exposure emergency planning zone of the Seabrook nuclear power plant" and by striking out the figure, "$2,042,828" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"$2,192,828"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-435-R1

Redraft EHS 435

Commemorating the Birthplace of the National Guard

Ms. Lovely and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-1616, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the city of Salem to support a Massachusetts national guard indoor historical exhibit recognizing the city of Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard"; and by striking out the figure "$250,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$500,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-435

EHS 435

Commemorating the Birthplace of the National Guard

Ms. Lovely and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-1616, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the support of a Massachusetts National Guard indoor historical exhibit recognizing the city of Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard"; and by striking the figure "$250,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$500,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-436

EHS 436

North Shore Community Health

Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $5,000,000 shall be expended for building costs for the North Shore Community Health to support the capital project of building a new Salem Family Health facility which will significantly enhance and improve the care that is given to patients in Salem and the Greater North Shore region”; and in said item by striking out the figure “133,800,335” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “138,800,335”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-437

EHS 437

NAN Project

Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Eldridge, Velis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Keenan, Lewis, O'Connor and Feeney, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for The NAN Project to provide mental health awareness and suicide prevention programming in schools and communities"; and in said item by striking out the figure “$119,289,950” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$119,789,950”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-437-R1

Redraft EHS 437

NAN Project

Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Eldridge, Velis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Keenan, Lewis, O'Connor and Feeney, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Cyr and Montigny and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for The NAN Project to provide mental health awareness and suicide prevention programming in schools and communities"; and by striking out the figure “$119,289,950” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$119,489,950”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-438

EHS 438

Portuguese American War Veterans Post 1

Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words: - “; provided further that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for improvements to the Portuguese American War Veterans Post 1 in the city of Peabody”; and in said item by striking out the figure “$9,669,222” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,769,222”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-439-R1

Redraft EHS 439

YMCA Youth-at-Risk Matching Grants

Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Eldridge and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Mark, Brady, Payano, Velis, Keenan, O'Connor and Feeney and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$1,800,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,500,000”; and by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$7,900,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-439

EHS 439

YMCA Youth-at-Risk Matching Grants

Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Eldridge and Tarr, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. Mark, Brady, Payano, Velis, Keenan, O'Connor, Feeney and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$1,800,000” and inserting in place thereof:- “$2,800,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$8,200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-440-R1

Redraft EHS 440

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

Ms. Moran, Mr. Cronin, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. Cyr, Feeney, O'Connor and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0010, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. to support the distribution of food to veterans in need in Barnstable, Bristol and Hampden counties”; and by striking out the figure “$7,803,565” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,103,565”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-440

EHS 440

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

Ms. Moran, Mr. Cronin and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc., to support the distribution of food to veterans in need in the counties of Barnstable, Bristol and Hampden”; and by striking out the figure “$9,669,222” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,969,222”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-441

EHS 441

Patients Right to Save

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after SECTION _ the following sections:-

"SECTION_. (A). Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary all health care entities and providers licensed by the commonwealth shall set and disclose the discounted cash price(s) they would accept for items and services in a machine-readable format. Said disclosure shall specify when the discounted cash price varies for reasons such as, but not limited to, the time of day the item and service is provided, day of service, office location, if the patient is filling a last minute cancelled appointment, or the promptness of the payment, if items and services are billed individually or by a service package, or if the price varies by income level, or for any ancillary services or amenities provided during the service.

(B). Such discounted cash price shall be available to all patients regardless of insurance plan or insurance status.

(D) . Health care entities shall publish such information on their website, if they have one, and/or provide a link to a third-party that provides patients free access to discounted cash prices for items and services, including those offered through that entity.

(E) Patients shall be informed of their ability to access discounted cash prices during any intake process to make an appointment, or when checking in for a service.

Said disclosure should inform the patient or potential patient insured on a plan regulated under chapter 176J that the patient would quality under this section for deductible credit if they have not exceeded their deductible to date if:

(a). The patient were to pay the discounted cash price and

(b).The discounted cash price is below the de-identified minimum negotiated

charge

(F). Discounted cash pricing information shall be updated at least annually, or within 10 days of pricing changes.

(G). Limit on contractual obligations to avoid disclosure:

(i).Health care entities licensed in the state may not sign contracts that prevent them from offering a discounted cash price below other contracted rates with either commercial and public payers, or that prevents the health entity from disclosing their discounted cash price to patients. Such a clause of any current contract that does so is void and shall be stricken from subsequent versions of the contract.

(ii) A health insurance plan or pharmacy benefits manager may not impose on an enrollee a copayment or other charge that exceeds the claim cost of a prescription drug. If information related to an enrollee's out-of-pocket cost or the clinical efficacy of a prescription drug or alternative medication is available to a pharmacy provider, a carrier or pharmacy benefits manager may not penalize a pharmacy provider for providing that information to an enrollee. Out-of-pocket pricing shall be displayed via an interface to prescribers at the point of prescribing with the patient.

SECTION _. (A). Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary beginning upon approval of the next health insurance rate filing after enactment, an enrollee covered under chapter 176J that elects to receive medically necessary covered items or services at a discounted cash priced that is below the de-identified minimum negotiated charge shall receive credit toward the enrollee’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as specified in the enrollee’s health plan as if the health care services had been provided by a network provider.

(B). Health plans licensed under chapter 176j shall disclose to the enrollee the de-identified minimum negotiated charge for their particular health plan. If health care entities do not disclose the de-identified minimum negotiated charge, then enrollees can reference a benchmark selected by the health policy commission in consultation with the division of insurance as a substitute for the minimum negotiated charge, which may be drawn from a third-party.

(C). A health plan may not discriminate in the form of payment for any network health care item or service covered under an enrollee's health plan based solely on the basis that the enrollee's referral was made by a provider who is not a member of the carrier's provider network.

(D).If an enrollee elects to utilize a pharmacy discount program, drug manufacturer rebate, or other discount or rebate program from a U.S.-based seller, including purchasing from a licensed prescribing provider such as a direct primary care provider, that results in a lower cost than the de-identified minimum negotiated charge would have been paid for a covered prescription medication had the enrollee utilized their health insurance policy to purchase the drug, the health plan shall apply the payments made by the enrollee for that covered prescription medication toward the enrollee’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as specified in the enrollee’s health plan as if the prescription medication had been purchased from a network pharmacy utilizing the enrollee’s health plan. The insurer may recognize the value of a discount or coupon towards a patient’s deductible. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict a health plan from requiring standard preauthorization or other precertification requirements that are currently required.

(E). The health plan shall provide a downloadable or interactive online form for the purpose of submitting proof of payment, and inform enrollees of their options under this section annually.

(F). Annually at enrollment or renewal, a carrier shall provide notice to enrollees in plan benefit material and on their website of the availability of the program with a description of how they may utilize the program.

(G). To ensure maximum enrollee choice but protect health plans, if the enrollee utilizes a discounted cash price option that is above the de-identified minimum negotiated charge, then the health plan shall only give credit toward the enrollee deductible and out-of-pocket responsibility equal to the discounted cash price or de-identified minimum negotiated charge, whichever is lowest.

(I). If a carrier denies a claim submitted by an enrollee pursuant to this act, the carrier must notify the division of insurance and provide supporting evidence for the denial to the enrollee and the division of insurance. An enrollee may appeal any denial of a claim submitted pursuant to this act to the division of insurance within 60 days of such denial. Such appeal shall be adjudicated within 30 days. If the division of insurance determines that the carrier improperly denied a claim, the carrier must pay enrollee’s costs and attorney’s fees associated with the appeal, must accept the filed claim, and must provide cash compensation equal to the amount of the claim to the enrollee.

(J). If a carrier denies more than twenty claims in one quarter under this act, the division of insurance shall notify the office of the attorney general. The Attorney General shall have authority to investigate any unfair trade practices in denying claims under this act. Should the Attorney General find that the carrier is wrongly denying claims under this act on an unreasonable basis, the Attorney General’s office may prosecute improper denials as an unfair trade practice under chapter 93A.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-442

EHS 442

Cranberry Health Research

Ms. Moran and Messrs. Brady and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the operation of the Cranberry Health Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth”; and by striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,933,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-443

EHS 443

Drug Story Theater

Ms. Moran and Messrs. O'Connor and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for Drug Story Theater, Inc., to support substance abuse education performances and forums throughout the state”; and by striking out the figure “$213,274,161” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$213,724,161”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-444

EHS 444

Roca Springfield High Risk Young Parents

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4401-1000, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Roca to provide services targeted at young parents in the city of Springfield who are experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health concerns, domestic violence, or abuse; and to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, and self-sufficiency, and to build cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports”;

and by striking out the figure "$19,675,509" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$19,925,509".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-444-R1

Redraft EHS 444

Roca Springfield High Risk Young Parents

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4401-1000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Roca, Inc. to provide services to young parents in the city of Springfield who are experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health concerns or domestic violence or abuse and to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, self-sufficiency and cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports”; and by striking out the figure "$19,675,509" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$19,925,509".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-448

EHS 448

Reporting of Claims Information

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after SECTION _ the following section:-

SECTION _. Chapter 176J is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new sections:

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), in this chapter:

(1) "Employer" has the meaning assigned by 29 U.S.C. Section 1002(5).

(2) "Governmental entity" means a state agency or political subdivision of this state.

(3) "Group health plan" has the meaning assigned by 45 C.F.R. Section 160.103, except that the term does not include disability income or long-term care insurance.

(4) "Health insurance issuer" has the meaning assigned by 45 C.F.R. Section 160.103.

(5) "Plan" means an employee welfare benefit plan as defined by 29 U.S.C. Section 1002(1).

(6) "Plan administrator" means an administrator as defined by 29 U.S.C. Section 1002(16)(A).

(7) "Plan sponsor" has the meaning assigned by 29 U.S.C. Section 1002(16)(B).

(8) "Political subdivision" means a county, municipality, school district, special-purpose district, or other subdivision of state government that has jurisdiction limited to a geographic portion of the state.

(9) "Protected health information" has the meaning assigned by 45 C.F.R. Section 160.103.

SECTION _. (a) This chapter applies to a governmental entity that enters into a contract with a health insurance issuer that results in the health insurance issuer delivering, issuing for delivery, or renewing a group health plan.

(b) For purposes of this chapter, a health insurance issuer shall treat a governmental entity described by Subsection (a) as a plan sponsor or plan administrator.

(c) A report of claim information provided under this section to a governmental entity is confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.

SECTION _. (a) Not later than the 30th day after the date a health insurance issuer receives a written request for a written report of claim information from a plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator, the health insurance issuer shall provide the requesting party the report, subject to Subsections (d), (e), and (f). The health insurance issuer is not obligated to provide a report under this subsection regarding a particular employer or group health plan more than twice in any 12-month period.

(b) A health insurance issuer shall provide the report of claim information under Subsection (a):

(1) in a written report;

(2) through an electronic file transmitted by secure electronic mail or a file transfer protocol site; or

(3) by making the required information available through a secure website or web portal accessible by the requesting plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator.

(c) A report of claim information provided under Subsection (a) must contain all information available to the health insurance issuer that is responsive to the request made under Subsection (a), including, subject to Subsections (d), (e), and (f), protected health information, for the 36-month period preceding the date of the report or the period specified by Subdivisions (4), (5), and (6), if applicable, or for the entire period of coverage, whichever period is shorter. Subject to Subsections (d), (e), and (f), a report provided under Subsection (a) must include:

(1) aggregate paid claims experience by month, including claims experience for medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits, as applicable;

(2) total premium paid by month;

(3) total number of covered employees on a monthly basis by coverage tier, including whether coverage was for:

(A) an employee only;

(B) an employee with dependents only;

(D) an employee with a spouse and dependents;

(4) the total dollar amount of claims pending as of the date of the report;

(5) a separate description and individual claims report for any individual whose total paid claims exceed $15,000 during the 12-month period preceding the date of the report, including the following information related to the claims for that individual:

(A) a unique identifying number, characteristic, or code for the individual;

(B) the amounts paid;

(D) applicable procedure codes and diagnosis codes; and

(6) for claims that are not part of the report described by Subdivisions (1)-(5), a statement describing precertification requests for hospital stays of five days or longer that were made during the 30-day period preceding the date of the report.

(d) A health insurance issuer may not disclose protected health information in a report of claim information provided under this section if the health insurance issuer is prohibited from disclosing that information under another state or federal law that imposes more stringent privacy restrictions than those imposed under federal law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-191). To withhold information in accordance with this subsection, the health insurance issuer must:

(1) notify the plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator requesting the report that information is being withheld; and

(2) provide to the plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator a list of categories of claim information that the health insurance issuer has determined are subject to the more stringent privacy restrictions under another state or federal law.

(e) A plan sponsor is entitled to receive protected health information under Subsections (c)(5) and (6) only after an appropriately authorized representative of the plan sponsor makes to the health insurance issuer a certification substantially similar to the following certification:

"I hereby certify that the plan documents comply with the requirements of 45 C.F.R. Section 164.504(f)(2) and that the plan sponsor will safeguard and limit the use and disclosure of protected health information that the plan sponsor may receive from the group health plan to perform the plan administration functions."

(f) A plan sponsor that does not provide the certification required by Subsection (e) is not entitled to receive the protected health information described by Subsections (c)(5) and (6) but is entitled to receive a report of claim information that includes the information described by Subsections (c)(1)-(4).

(g) In the case of a request made under Subsection (a) after the date of termination of coverage, the report must contain all information available to the health insurance issuer as of the date of the report that is responsive to the request, including protected health information, and including the information described by Subsections (c)(1)-(6), for the period described by Subsection (c) preceding the date of termination of coverage or for the entire policy period, whichever period is shorter. Notwithstanding this subsection, the report may not include the protected health information described by Subsections (c)(5) and (6) unless a certification has been provided in accordance with Subsection (e).

(h) A plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator must request a report under Subsection (a) before or on the second anniversary of the date of termination of coverage under a group health plan issued by the health benefit plan issuer.

SECTION _. (a) On receipt of the report required by Section 1215.003(a), the plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator may review the report and, not later than the 10th day after the date the report is received, may make a written request to the health insurance issuer for additional information in accordance with this section for specified individuals.

(b) With respect to a request for additional information concerning specified individuals for whom claims information has been provided under Section 1215.003(c)(5), the health insurance issuer shall provide additional information on the prognosis or recovery if available and, for individuals in active case management, the most recent case management information, including any future expected costs and treatment plan, that relate to the claims for that individual.

(c) The health insurance issuer must respond to the request for additional information under this section not later than the 15th day after the date of the request under this section unless the requesting plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator agrees to a request for additional time.

(d) The health insurance issuer is not required to produce the report described by this section unless a certification has been provided in accordance with Section 1215.003(e).

SECTION_. A health insurance issuer that releases information, including protected health information, in accordance with this chapter has not violated a standard of care and is not liable for civil damages resulting from, and is not subject to criminal prosecution for, releasing that information.

SECTION _. A health insurance issuer that does not comply with this chapter is subject to administrative penalties as determined by the division of insurance.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-449

EHS 449

DPH Youth at Risk Grant Program

Messrs. Gomez and Eldridge, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking in line 8 the number "$2,550,000" and inserting in place thereof the following:- "$3,550,000";

and by striking the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place there of the following:- "$8,200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-449-R1

Redraft EHS 449

DPH Youth at Risk Grant Program

Messrs. Gomez and Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Brady, Montigny, O'Connor, Payano, Oliveira, Cyr and Velis, Ms. Gobi and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure "$2,550,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$3,050,000"; and by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place there of the following figure:- "$7,700,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-451

EHS 451

Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting in SECTION _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. Section 1 of Chapter 176J as appearing in the 2020 official edition is hereby amended by inserting in line 252 after the word, "amended" the following:-"employees shall be counted in the aggregate at the MEWA level"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-453

EHS 453

Group Purchasing Cooperatives

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after SECTION _ the following section:-

"SECTION _. Section 12 of Chapter 176J as appearing is hereby amended by striking in line 32 the figure, "6" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"10." By striking in line 35 the figure, "6" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"10"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-454

EHS 454

Pilot Program for small business group purchasing cooperatives

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the division of insurance shall develop a 3-year pilot program to permit at least 1 but no more than 6 small business group purchasing cooperatives, as defined in section 1 of chapter 176J of the General Laws, to be considered a large employer for the purposes of accessing affordable health insurance coverage options. The total number of covered lives for all approved group purchasing cooperatives, in the aggregate, participating in this pilot program shall not exceed 85,000 covered lives. The division shall develop guidelines that shall include but not be limited to: (i) ways to reduce premiums for members of small business group purchasing cooperatives and their employees; (ii) any waiver of statutory or regulatory requirements to effectuate the pilot program; and (iii) requirements for small business group purchasing cooperative participatory wellness programming. The pilot program shall be implemented no later than 1 year from the effective date of this act.

Not later than 6 months after the conclusion of the pilot program, the division of insurance shall issue a report including but not limited to the following information: (i) the number of persons covered under this option for each year of the pilot program; (ii) the availability of coverage offered over the span of the pilot program; (iii) an analysis of impact that the pilot program has on the affordability of health coverage for the participating members and their employees and whether there is any demonstrable impact on the merged market; and (iv) recommendations regarding making the pilot program permanent."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-456

EHS 456

Vital Records Implementation

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by striking out the figure "$22,492,001" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$23,249,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-457

EHS 457

Chicopee Council on Aging

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the city of Chicopee council on aging at RiverMills Center"; and by striking out the figure "$26,300,000 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$26,350,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-458

EHS 458

United Way of Pioneer Valley

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended for the United Way of Pioneer Valley for a food insecurity and financial wellness program in the cities of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$130,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-458-R1

Redraft EHS 458

United Way of Pioneer Valley

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended as a grant to the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Inc. to support organizations and programs in the cities of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-459

EHS 459

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

Mr. Collins, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Lewis, O'Connor and Feeney, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Timilty and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1098, by striking out the figure “$200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-460

EHS 460

Parent Villages

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Parent Villages, Inc. in the city of Springfield"; and by striking the figure "$1,250,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,275,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-462

EHS 462

Brightwood Health Center

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Baystate Brightwood Health Center in the city of Springfield to assist in COVID-19 related outreach to the neighborhoods served by the center, predominantly in the north end section of the city of Springfield"; and by striking out the figure "$5,600,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,650,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-462-R1

Redraft EHS 462

Brightwood Health Center

Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Baystate Brightwood Health Center in the city of Springfield to assist in outreach to neighborhoods served by the center, predominantly in the north end section of the city of Springfield"; and by striking out the figure "$5,600,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,650,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-467

EHS 467

Catie's Closet

Mr. Collins, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after item 7061-9650 the following item;

"xxxx-xxxx For Catie’s Closet, Inc. to connect low-income and homeless students in the city of Boston with access to social services, mental and behavioral health resources and other necessities including, but not limited to, clothing and toiletries.............................$1,000,000.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-470

EHS 470

Julie's Family Learning Program

Messrs. Collins, Brady and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by inserting the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to Julie's Family Learning Program Inc."; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$300,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-471

EHS 471

Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children

Messrs. Feeney and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0915, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children shall maintain not less than 120 beds for clients in its inpatient setting to the extent feasible within the appropriation; provided further, that not less than $300,000 in retained revenue shall be expended for the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children summer program".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-472

EHS 472

WestMass ElderCare Elder Nutrition Program

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $3,000,000 shall be expended to the WestMass ElderCare Inc., to support elder nutrition program”; and by striking out the figure “$11,872,860" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$14,872,860”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-473

EHS 473

JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow to support, but not limited to unit renovation and nurse call system technology ”; and in by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$160,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-473-R1

Redraft EHS 473

JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the JGS Lifecare Corporation in the town of Longmeadow to support unit renovations and nurse call system technology”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$160,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-474

EHS 474

Massachusetts Family Planning Association

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1005, by striking out the figure “$21,460,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$23,120,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-475

EHS 475

Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol District Substance Misuse Coalitions

Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $140,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships: (i) Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Abuse; (ii) Bridging L.I.V.E.S.; (iii) Easton Wings of Hope; (iv) EB Hope (v) Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (vi) Randolph Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (vii) Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$240,000". 

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-475-R1

Redraft EHS 475

Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol District Substance Misuse Coalitions

Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $105,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships: (i) Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Use; (ii) Bridging L.I.V.E.S.; (iii) Easton Wings of Hope; (iv) EB Hope, Inc.; (v) Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (vi) Randolph Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; and (vii) Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$205,000". 

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-476

EHS 476

Prostate Cancer Program Expansion in Hampden and Western Massachusetts

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0925, by striking out the figure “$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,250,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-477

EHS 477

Independent Living Centers

Messrs. Oliveira, Moore, Gomez, O'Connor, Cyr and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-0200, by striking out the figure “$8,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-479

EHS 479

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities

Messrs. Oliveira and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1660, by inserting at the end thereof the following:-

“; provided that not less than $1,031,000 shall be expended for providers of naturally occurring retirement communities with whom the department of elder affairs entered into service agreements in the fiscal year 2023 and shall maintain at proportions of total available funding equal to those provided in the fiscal year 2023”;

and by striking out the figure “$2,169,491" and inserting in place thereof the following:- "$3,200,491”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-480

EHS 480

Ludlow Department of Veterans Services

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Ludlow Department of Veterans Services to support with, but not limited to, monthly veterans' lunch, food pantry, and outreach programming"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-480-R1

Redraft EHS 480

Ludlow Department of Veterans Services

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0010, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Ludlow department of veterans’ services for services including, but not limited to, monthly veterans’ lunches, food pantry supports and outreach programming”; and by striking out the figure “$7,803,565" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,853,565”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-481

EHS 481

Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, Inc.

Messrs. Oliveira, Gomez and Velis, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Inc. to continue with program and expansion, including but not limited to research, philanthropy, and expansion of the Young Women’s Initiative program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-481-R1

Redraft EHS 481

Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, Inc.

Messrs. Oliveira, Gomez and Velis, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Inc. to support its programming and operations including, but not limited to, research, philanthropy and the expansion of the Young Women’s Initiative program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-484

EHS 484

Public Health Lab services

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4516-1005, by striking out the figure "$1,043,103" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,543,103"; and by striking out the figure "$1,043,103" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,543,103".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-485

EHS 485

Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc.

Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc. in the city of Waltham”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-486

EHS 486

Refugee Health Promotion Program

Messrs. Payano and Keenan, Ms. Miranda and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to expand the Refugee Health Promotion Program to offer additional behavioral health and wellness programming;” and by striking out the figure "$1,036,958" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,336,958".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-486-R1

Redraft EHS 486

Refugee Health Promotion Program

Messrs. Payano and Keenan, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gomez, Velis, O'Connor and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Refugee Health Promotion program to expand behavioral health and wellness programming”; and by striking out the figure "$1,036,958" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,336,958".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-487

EHS 487

Chelmsford Council On Aging

Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Chelmsford Council On Aging to meet the needs of elders"; and by striking out the figure “$26,300,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,325,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-489

EHS 489

Dignity Alliance Reporting Requirements

Ms. Gobi, Mr. Crighton, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny and Oliveira and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0710, by inserting at the end thereof, the following:- "; provided further, that the bureau of health care safety and quality and the office of patient protection shall annually report to the Center for Health Information and Analysis on the number of nursing home staff and resident complaints resolved, the amount of penalties assessed, and the reasons for unaddressed complaints, said report to be filed with the joint committee on elder affairs, the joint committee on health care financing, and the house and senate committees on ways and means”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-490

EHS 490

Implementation of Women Veterans Study Recommendations

Mr. Velis and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0015, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be used to hire additional staff for women veteran outreach and to expand and centralize transitional support for women veterans returning to Massachusetts, including but not limited to, available benefits and community programs for women veterans"; and

by striking out the figure "$628,545" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$828,545".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-490-R1

Redraft EHS 490

Implementation of Women Veterans Study Recommendations

Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. O'Connor and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0015, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to: (i) hire additional staff for women veteran outreach; (ii) centralize the administration of services: and (iii) expand transitional support for women veterans returning to the commonwealth including, but not limited to, available benefits and community programs for women veterans"; and by striking out the figure "$628,545" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$828,545".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-491

EHS 491

RIZE Massachusetts

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $2,000,000 shall be expended for RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, Inc. to assist in their work to end the opioid epidemic in the commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,100,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-492

EHS 492

Caribbean Integration Community Development Pilot Program

Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4003-0122 the following item:

"XXXX-XXXX For Caribbean Integration Community Development, Inc. for the purpose of conducting a pilot development program administered by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants in consultation with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to support the creation of housing units for immigrants and refugees; provided however, that said units shall first be made available for use by the Office for Refugees to provide housing under the Refugee Resettlement Program as established by the Refugee Resettlement Act of 1980, Chapter 2 of Title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1521 et seq.) and other immigrant populations as may be determined by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants; provided further, said housing units may be made available as affordable rental housing that is affordable for households with incomes not more than 120 per cent of the area median income at a time to be determined by the Office for Refugees and Immigrants; provided further, that preference shall be given to occupants of said units at the time of conversion to affordable rental housing....... $250,000."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-493-R1

Redraft EHS 493

Teaching Community Health Centers

Messrs. Payano, Moore and Collins, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Finegold and Cyr and Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0700, by striking out the figure "$750,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$900,000"; and by striking out the figure “3,713,166,357” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “3,713,316,357”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-493

EHS 493

Teaching Community Health Centers

Messrs. Payano, Moore and Collins, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0700, by striking out the figure "$750,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$900,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-494

EHS 494

Betsy Lehman Center

Ms. Creem and Messrs. Feeney, Cyr and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4100-0060, by striking out the words "not more" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "not less"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-495

EHS 495

International Institute of New England

Ms. Creem and Messrs. Eldridge and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5046-0000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the International Institute of New England, Inc. for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for immigrants and refugees”; and by striking out the figure “$597,677,446” and inserting in place

thereof the following figure:- “$597,977,446”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-496

EHS 496

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Ms. Creem, Messrs. Eldridge, Crighton, Lewis and Tarr, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Pacheco, Gomez and Payano, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor, Collins, Feeney, Oliveira, Kennedy, Montigny, Velis, Moore, Rush and Timilty, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Mark, Ms. Moran, Mr. Cronin and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4110-1000, by inserting after the words “ access network” the following: “; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended to hire additional social workers, rehabilitation teachers, and orientation and mobility instructors at the commission for the blind”; and by striking out the figure “$7,935,416" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,935,416."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-496-R1

Redraft EHS 496

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Ms. Creem, Messrs. Eldridge, Crighton, Lewis and Tarr, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Pacheco, Gomez and Payano, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor, Collins, Feeney, Oliveira, Kennedy, Montigny, Velis, Moore, Rush and Timilty, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Mark, Ms. Moran, Mr. Cronin and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4110-1000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to hire additional social workers, rehabilitation teachers and orientation and mobility instructors at the Massachusetts commission for the blind”; and by striking out the figure “$7,935,416" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,185,416”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-497

EHS 497

Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Ms. Creem, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Miranda and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0005, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Inc. for the operation of comprehensive educational programming on gun violence and gun violence prevention”; and by striking out the figure “$12,600,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,650,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-498-R1

Redraft EHS 498

Healthy Lives Program

Ms. Creem and Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Brookline Community Mental Health Center, Inc. in the town of Brookline to expand the healthy lives program”; and by striking out the figure “$133,800,335” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$134,050,335”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-498

EHS 498

Healthy Lives Program

Ms. Creem and Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Brookline Community Mental Health Center, Inc. in the town of Brookline to expand the healthy lives program”; and by striking out the figure “$133,800,335” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$133,800,585”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-499

EHS 499

Emergency Behavioral Capacity Expansion at Sturdy Health in Attleboro

Mr. Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5095-0015, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in the city of Attleboro for the expansion of its emergency department to create new capacity for emergency behavioral health services”; and by striking out the figure "$316,331,353" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$316,631,353".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-499-R1

Redraft EHS 499

Emergency Behavioral Capacity Expansion at Sturdy Health in Attleboro

Mr. Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5095-0015, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Inc. in the city of Attleboro for the expansion of its emergency department to create new capacity for emergency behavioral health services”; and by striking out the figure "$316,331,353" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$316,381,353".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-500-R1

Redraft EHS 500

Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Moore and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $65,000 shall be expended to the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester for implementation of racial equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$165,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-500

EHS 500

Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan

Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be provided to the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester for implementation of racial equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan"; and by striking out the figure “$5,600,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,650,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-501

EHS 501

Randolph Social Worker

Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Randolph Community Programs Department in the town of Randolph for the continuation of a full-time community social worker"; and by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$7,300,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-502

EHS 502

Stoughton VFW Hall

Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for repairs to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1645 in the town of Stoughton"; and by striking out the following figure "$9,669,222" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,719,222".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-503

EHS 503

Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc

Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words: - ";provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc.’s substance use and trauma prevention initiative in the Grove Hall area of the city of Boston"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-504

EHS 504

Long Term Services and Supports Actuarial Study

Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Keenan, Timilty and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not more than $500,000 shall be expended for the purpose of contracting for an independent study for actuarial modeling of public, private, and public-private hybrid long-term services and supports financing options to help individuals prepare for, access and afford such services; provided that the study must include modeling of the following for Massachusetts: (a) An analysis of public and private long-term care financing programs that exist in the state, the participation rates for those programs, and any clear gaps that exist, including, but not limited to, gaps in coverage, affordability, and participation, and including factors relevant to the design of a public program; (b) Modeling of three public long-term care insurance programs funded through a payroll deduction two of which would provide a dollar limited long-term care insurance benefit: (i) a front-end limited duration program; (ii) a limited duration, back-end catastrophic program; and, (iii) an unlimited duration, comprehensive program; provided that eligibility for program benefits would be based on the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) criteria including: The individual is unable to perform (without “substantial assistance” from another individual) at least 2 activities of daily living for a period of at least 90 days due to a loss of functional capacity. Or, the individual requires “substantial supervision” to protect such individual from threats to health and safety due to “severe” cognitive impairment; provided that sensitivity modeling on key program parameters will also be conducted, including daily benefit amounts, coverage duration, benefit increase options, form of benefit (cash versus service reimbursement), premium levels, and more to be determined between the Department working group and the awarded contractor at the outset of the project; (c) Modeling of the impact of tax alternative and other incentives for the purchase of private long-term care insurance on take-up rates in the state; (d) A public-private reinsurance or risk-sharing model with the purpose of providing a stable and ongoing source of reimbursement to insurers for a portion of the catastrophic long-term services and supports losses in order to provide additional capacity for the state; provided that for Option (b), the awarded contractor shall provide a report with information on: (i) Program participation rates (i.e. number of participants, socio-demographic profile of participants,); (ii) Program costs (i.e. aggregate and individual, premiums, claims, administration); (iii) Distribution of program benefits (i.e. differences from the status quo, amount for new services, amount offsetting Medicaid, socio-demographic profile of individuals receiving the benefits, number of beneficiaries); (iv) Impact on Medicaid expenditures (i.e. savings to the state Medicaid program); (v) Financial and legal risks to the state; provided that for Options (c) and (d), the awarded contractor shall provide a report with information on: (i) The impact on private long-term care insurance take-up rates; (ii) Socio-demographic profile of individuals projected to purchase long-term care insurance; (iii) Program costs; (iv) Impact on Medicaid Expenditures; provided that the actuarial analysis shall be completed and submitted to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Chairs of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs no later than 270 days after the passage of this act"; and by striking out the figure "$133,800,335" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$134,300,335".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-504-R1

Redraft EHS 504

Long Term Services and Supports Actuarial Study

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-505

EHS 505

MassHealth Nursing Home Supplemental Rates

Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Montigny and Brady and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0641, by inserting after the words “section 622 of chapter 151 of the acts of 1996", the following:words:- "; and, provided further, that nursing homes that receive said supplemental rates shall submit consolidated financial statements to the Center for Health Information and Analysis, including reports of related third-party vendors such as for rental agreements, management contract, purchase of goods and services certifying that such prices paid by the nursing home does not exceed the amount a prudent and cost-conscious buyer would pay for comparable services, facilities or supplies that could be purchased elsewhere."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-506-R1

Redraft EHS 506

Worcester Center for New Americans

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Moore and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Friendly House, Inc. for the operation of a Center for New Americans in the city of Worcester"; and by striking out the figure “$1,036,958” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,136,958”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-506

EHS 506

Worcester Center for New Americans

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Moore and Ms. Gobi moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be provided to Friendly House for the operation of a Center for New Americans in the City of Worcester"; and by striking out the figure “$133,800,335” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$133,900,335”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-507

EHS 507

Betsy Lehman Center

Messrs. Cronin, Keenan, Feeney, Cyr and Timilty and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after line-item 4100-0060 the following item:-

"XXXX-XXXX For the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction to implement foundational action steps to advance the goals of the Roadmap to Health Care Safety for Massachusetts, including to develop a statewide program of health care workforce safety education, to establish a pilot program to implement automated safety event detection and response in hospitals, to establish a pilot program to implement continuous improvement systems in outpatient office practices, and to establish a program to build capacity in Patient and Family Advisory Councils to support safety improvement in hospitals and accountable care organizations…….. $3,500,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-508

EHS 508

Casserly House

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following:- "; provided further, not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Casserly House in the Roslindale section of the city of Boston to assist with the transition of immigrants and refugees into the community" ; and by striking out the figure “$1,036,958“ and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,086,958”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-509-R1

Redraft EHS 509

Massachusetts Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee

Ms. Rausch, Mr. Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. O'Connor and Lewis, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Payano and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for the operations of and hiring additional personnel for the Massachusetts maternal mortality and morbidity review committee to enhance the committee’s ability to comprehensively review deaths and complications that occur during or within 1 year of pregnancy and make related remedial policy and practice recommendations; provided further, that the committee shall convene regularly to encourage consistent case review and reporting of findings and recommendations; provided further, that the department of public health shall submit to the committee, in a timely manner, aggregated and patient-level maternal morbidity and mortality data for review and utilization in developing recommendations to improve perinatal and maternal health outcomes; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2024, the committee shall submit a report to the joint committee on public health, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the pregnancy and birth equity task force of the Massachusetts caucus of women legislators and the Massachusetts commission on the status of women on its findings and recommendations; and provided further, that the department shall publish the committee’s report on its website; and by striking out the figure “$10,533,558” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,883,558”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-509

EHS 509

Massachusetts Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee

Ms. Rausch, Mr. Tarr, Ms. Gobi and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $750,000 shall be expended for the operations of and hiring additional personnel for the Massachusetts maternal mortality and morbidity review committee to enhance the committee’s ability to comprehensively review deaths and complications occurring during or within 1 year of pregnancy and make related remedial policy and practice recommendations; provided further, that the committee shall be convened regularly, and not less than quarterly, to encourage consistent case review and reporting of findings and recommendations; provided further, that the department of public health shall timely deliver to the committee aggregate and patient-level material morbidity and mortality data for review and utilization in developing recommendations to improve perinatal and maternal health outcomes; provided further, that the committee shall issue an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the joint committee on public health, the senate and house committees on ways and means, the pregnancy and birth equity task force of the Massachusetts caucus of women legislators, and the Massachusetts commission on the status of women; provided further, that the department of public health shall publish the committee’s annual report on its website”; and by striking out the figure “10,533,558” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “11,283,558”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-510

EHS 510

Walker, Inc

Messrs. Rush and O'Connor and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0950, by inserting the following; "provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to Walker, Inc. for programming relative to the development of behavioral health and positive parenting, caregiving services, and resources for services and support of incarcerated and post-release individuals with children"; and further moves to amend the bill in said item by striking the figure "$315,282,721" and inserting in place thereof the following figure "$315,782,721"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-510-R1

Redraft EHS 510

Walker, Inc

Messrs. Rush and O'Connor and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to Walker, Inc. for programming relative to the development of behavioral health and positive parenting, caregiving services and resources for services and support of incarcerated and post-release individuals with children"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-511

EHS 511

Providing Hygiene Security

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan, Rush, Barrett, Tarr, O'Connor, Gomez, Eldridge, Velis and Oliveira, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady and Kennedy and Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by inserting at the end thereof the following:- “; provided, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to Hope and Comfort, Inc. for the purpose of addressing hygiene insecurity in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$22,491,001” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$22,991,001”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-511-R1

Redraft EHS 511

Providing Hygiene Security

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan, Rush, Barrett, Tarr, O'Connor, Gomez, Eldridge, Velis and Oliveira, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady and Kennedy, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Feeney and Timilty, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to Hope and Comfort, Inc. to address hygiene insecurity in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$22,491,001” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$22,641,001”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-512

EHS 512

Special Olympics Massachusetts

Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5911-1003, by adding the following:- "; provided further that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for Special Olympics Massachusetts, Inc."; and

in said section 2, in said item 5911-1003, by striking out the figure "$91,022,294” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$91,372,294".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-513

EHS 513

Access to children’s behavioral health services

Mr. Cronin, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Eldridge, Tarr and Crighton, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Velis, Keenan, Lewis and Feeney, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4100-0060, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for a mixed methods study of the utilization, by persons covered by private insurance carriers, of the Behavioral Health Services for Children and Adolescents services and any barriers to the access of these services with such study incorporating: a qualitative study process; a stakeholder engagement process; and a quantitative study of rates of penetration and utilization using the All Payer Claims Database; and for staffing to acquire the data for the research and to write the report of the study; provided further that the center shall submit a report on the findings of the study to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery no later than June 30, 2024." and by striking the figure "$33,394,788" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$33,894,788."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-514

EHS 514

Citizenship for New Americans Program

Messrs. Eldridge, Tarr, Lewis and Keenan and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by striking the figure “$1,036,958” and inserting in the place thereof the figure “$1,736,958”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-514-R1

Redraft EHS 514

Citizenship for New Americans Program

Messrs. Eldridge, Tarr, Lewis and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Cyr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by striking out the figure “$1,036,958” and inserting in the place thereof the following figure:- “$1,286,958”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-515-R1

Redraft EHS 515

Italian Home for Children

Messrs. Rush, Keenan, Cronin, Timilty, O'Connor and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0015, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Italian Home for Children, Inc.’s behavioral health services for children"; and by striking out the figure "$139,806,735" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,306,735".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-515

EHS 515

Italian Home for Children

Messrs. Rush, Keenan, Cronin, Timilty, O'Connor and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0015, by adding "; provided further, that not less than $750,000 shall be expended for the Italian Home for Children, Inc.’s behavioral health services for children"; and by striking out the figure "$139,806,735" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,556,735".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-516

EHS 516

Self Esteem Boston

Messrs. Rush and Collins, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Keenan, Gomez, Velis and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute Inc.’s direct service and provider training programs" ;and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$275,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-517

EHS 517

Randolph Public Health Department Vehicles

Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2022, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the town of Randolph Public Health Department for new vehicles to be used by the Norfolk County 5 East Public Health Nurse Division, Housing Inspection Division, and Retail Food Service Inspection"; and by striking out the figure "$15,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$15,100,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-518

EHS 518

Compass Working Capital

Mr. Rush, Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended to Compass Working Capital, Inc. to support the expansion of the Family Self-Sufficiency program to eligible households in the greater Boston area”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$275,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-519

EHS 519

AdMeTech Foundation

Mr. Rush, Ms. Creem, Messrs. Collins, Tarr, Montigny, Gomez, Lewis, Moore, Brady, Eldridge and O'Connor, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Timilty, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Fattman, Keenan, Velis, Crighton, Payano, Feeney and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0925, by striking the figure “$1,000,000” in inserting in place thereof the following figure “$1,250,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-520

EHS 520

Hospital Workforce Development

Messrs. DiDomenico, Mark and Oliveira, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Lewis, Brady, Rush, Cronin and Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Pacheco and Crighton, Ms. Moran, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Payano, Feeney, Velis, Keenan, Finegold and Moore, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Collins and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by inserting after the words “all Massachusetts accountable care organizations, acute care hospitals and their affiliated hospital health care providers as defined by the center for health information and analysis” the following words:- "; and labor-management training and education support for the workforce of those providers".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-521

EHS 521

Dwelling House of Hope

Mr. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Dwelling House of Hope in the City of Lowell”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-522

EHS 522

ICF

Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5930-1000, in line 5, by striking out the word “intermittent” and inserting in place thereof the word “intermediate”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-523

EHS 523

Medically Tailored Food

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by inserting at the end thereof the following: "provided further that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Southwest Boston Senior Services, Inc. to support and provide medically-tailored and culturally-appropriate meals to persons battling chronic illnesses, the disabled and elders in collaboration with the statewide Meals on Wheels network;" and by striking the figures, “$11,872,860” and inserting thereof the following, “$12,122,860.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-524

EHS 524

Big Sister Association of Greater Boston

Messrs. Rush, Keenan and Collins, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by inserting after the words “questioning youth” the following:- “provided that the department shall award not less than $250,000 to the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,450,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-525

EHS 525

MA Vaccination Scope

Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-

"SECTION XX. Section 265 of chapter 112 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out paragraphs (a) and (b) and inserting in place thereof the following two sections: -

(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

"Certified medical assistant", an individual who: (i) has graduated from a post-secondary medical assisting education program accredited by the committee on allied health education and accreditation of the American Medical Association or its successor, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or its successor or another certificate program that the commissioner of public health may approve; (ii) is employed in a health care facility as defined in section 9C; and (iii) performs basic administrative, clerical, and clinical duties upon the specific authorization and under the direct supervision of a practitioner as defined in section 1 of chapter 94C.

"Direct supervision", oversight of a certified medical assistant exercised by a practitioner, as defined in section 1 of chapter 94C, who is present in the facility and immediately available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the course of the performance of a delegated procedure; provided, however, that the practitioner shall not be required to be present in the room when the procedure is performed.

(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a practitioner acting within the practitioner’s designated scope of practice may delegate the administration of an immunization of a patient to a certified medical assistant."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-526

EHS 526

Independent Living Centers

Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Moore, Montigny and O'Connor, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Edwards and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-0200, by striking out the figure “$8,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-528

EHS 528

Independent Review of Suicide Risk in Correctional Facilities

Messrs. Eldridge, O'Connor, Lewis, Collins and Montigny and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following:- “provided further, that not less than $325,000 shall be expended for an independent expert review of suicide risk and prevention strategies in county correctional facilities and state prisons.”; and by striking out the figure "$133,800,335” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$134,125,335".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-529-R1

Redraft EHS 529

Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program

Messrs. Keenan, Tarr, Moore, Feeney, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by striking out the figure “$5,719,468” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,219,468”; and by striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,333,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-529

EHS 529

Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program

Messrs. Keenan, Tarr, Moore and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by striking out the following words:- “that not less than $5,719,468 shall be expended for smoking prevention and cessation programs, including youth tobacco use prevention and cessation programs;” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “that not less than $6,719,468 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program”; and by striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,833,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-530

EHS 530

Providing Naloxone at MBTA Red Line Stations

Mr. Keenan, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0206, by inserting after the words "drug checking equipment:", in line __, the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $95,000 shall be expended for placement of accessible naloxone at all Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line stations; provided further, that each Red Line station shall have 3 freestanding unalarmed naloxone boxes containing 2 units of 4 milligram intranasal naloxone spray; provided further, that the boxes shall be checked daily to replace used naloxone and to create a record of naloxone used each day; provided further, that flyers shall be mounted around the naloxone box with information relating to naloxone training with instructions on how to use naloxone in the event of an emergency displayed near the boxes;" and by striking out the figure "$6,378,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,473,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-530-R1

Redraft EHS 530

Providing Naloxone at MBTA Red Line Stations

Mr. Keenan, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0206, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $95,000 shall be expended for placement of accessible naloxone at all Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority red line stations; provided further, that each red line station shall have 3 freestanding unalarmed naloxone boxes containing 2 units of 4 milligram intranasal naloxone spray; provided further, that said boxes shall be checked daily to replace used naloxone and to create a record of naloxone used each day; provided further, that flyers shall be mounted around said boxes with instructions on how to use naloxone in the event of an emergency"; and by striking out the figure "$6,378,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,473,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-531

EHS 531

Behavioral Health Pilot Program for Schools

Messrs. Velis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended to develop and implement behavioral health consultation services that are accessible to school personnel and kindergarten through grade 12 students across the Commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure "$119,289,950" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$120,289,950".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-531-R1

Redraft EHS 531

Behavioral Health Pilot Program for Schools

Messrs. Velis and Tarr, Ms. Gobi, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Feeney and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to develop and implement behavioral health consultation services that are accessible to school personnel and students in kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, across the commonwealth; provided further, that the department of mental health shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the distribution of funds, the number of individuals served, the outcomes measured and recommendations for expanding cost-effective behavioral health programming for children and adolescents in fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025"; and by striking out the figure "$119,289,950" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$119,789,950".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-532-R1

Redraft EHS 532

Compulsive Gamblers' Treatment Program

Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for compulsive gamblers’ treatment supports and an independent research study to determine the extent and scope of harms caused by gambling products regulated by the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$22,492,001” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$22,992,001”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-532

EHS 532

Compulsive Gamblers' Treatment Program

Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0225, by striking out the following words:- "not more than $1,000,000 for a compulsive gamblers’ treatment program"; and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "not less than $2,000,000 for a compulsive gamblers’ treatment program and independent research to determine the extent and scope of harms caused by the gambling products regulated by the commonwealth"; and by striking out the second mention of the figure "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-533

EHS 533

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness

Messrs. Mark, Velis and Gomez, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $75,000 shall be provided to the United Way of Pioneer Valley for the purposes of housing stability and homelessness prevention;

and by striking out the figure "$155,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - "$230,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-533-R1

Redraft EHS 533

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness

Messrs. Mark, Velis and Gomez, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Inc. for the purposes of housing stability and homelessness prevention services”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-534

EHS 534

Youth in Care in Need of Crisis Support

Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Cronin, Moore and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0041, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of children and families, in conjunction with congregate care providers and the department of mental health, and in consultation with the department of youth services for its expertise in its evidence based programs, shall within 90 days of this act establish a minimum of four regional pilot programs that will accommodate youth that are in DCF care who: (i) are experiencing an intensive behavioral, or behavioral and medical, crisis; (ii) are being housed in emergency departments or inpatient units; and (iii) cannot safely receive treatment in the existing congregate programs; provided further, that the department shall report within 60 days of the passage of this act to the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities on the department’s plan to operationalize the pilot, including the pilot locations, the number of beds at each location, and the start date of service at each pilot location; and provided further, that the department shall report no later than April 1, 2024 to the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, the details of the pilot, including but not limited to: (i) the number of youth served; (ii) demographic data currently collected by the department for the youth served; (iii) the presenting issue of each youth; (iv) the length of stay for each youth; (v) the type of program the each youth was discharged to, such as to home, foster placement, group home, residential, etc; (vi) the total number of elopements; and (vii) the total number of visits to emergency rooms or community behavioral health centers for mental health crisis"; and by striking out the figure “$431,019,785” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$443,019,785”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-534-R1

Redraft EHS 534

Youth in Care in Need of Crisis Support

Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Cronin, Moore and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0041, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of children and families, in coordination with the office of the child advocate, shall develop a plan for a pilot program to use evidence-based program models in department of children and families congregate care provider programs for youth that are in the department’s care and who: (i) are experiencing an intensive behavioral or behavioral and medical crisis; (ii) are being housed in emergency departments or inpatient units; and (iii) cannot safely receive treatment in the existing congregate programs; provided further, that the plan for said pilot program shall detail: (a) the proposed structure, size and scope; (b) any statutory or logistical challenges for implementation; and (c) a funding plan, including a breakdown of potential costs; provided further, that not later than September 15, 2023, the department shall issue a report on the design and implementation of said pilot program to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the executive office for administration and finance, the executive office of health and human services and the office of the child advocate”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-535

EHS 535

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell Expansion

Mr. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by adding the following words: " provided further, that not less than $10,000,000 shall be expended for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell for their ongoing renovations and capital improvements" and by striking the figure "$7,200,000" and replacing it with "$17,200,000"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-536-R1

Redraft EHS 536

Opioid Task Force/Berkshire County Sheriff

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 8910-0145, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Berkshire county opioid education and awareness task force”; and by striking out the figure “$19,721,141” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$19,921,141”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-536

EHS 536

Opioid Task Force/Berkshire County Sheriff

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 8910-0145, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the operation of the Berkshire Sheriff’s Office to be expended for the Berkshire County opioid education and awareness task force to address the catastrophic opioid epidemic.”

and by striking out the figure “$19,721,141” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$19,921,141”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-537

EHS 537

DPH Department of Oral Health

“; provided further, that not less than $300,000 be expended for the Department of Public Health, Office of Oral Health to support the administration and subsequent activities of the legislative special commission on oral health established in Chapter 126 of the Acts of 2022, ongoing data analysis and other long-term projects to promote oral health equity for Massachusetts residents”;

andby striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$11,133,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-537-R1

Redraft EHS 537

DPH Department of Oral Health

Messrs. Mark, Moore, Tarr and O'Connor, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Cronin, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Feeney and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 be expended for the office of oral health to support the administration and activities of the special commission on oral health established in section 167 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022 including, but not limited to, ongoing data analysis and other long-term projects to promote oral health equity”; and by striking out the figure “$10,833,604” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,133,604”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-538

EHS 538

Volunteers of America Substance Use Prevention

Messrs. Keenan, Brady and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to Volunteers of America of Massachusetts, to address high rates of people with dual diagnosis or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders by expanding the outpatient integrated managed care model across the South Shore and South Coast regions”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$400,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-539

EHS 539

BSAS Family Supportive Housing Programs

Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by striking out the figure "$10,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$12,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-539-R1

Redraft EHS 539

BSAS Family Supportive Housing Programs

Messrs. Keenan and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by striking out the figure "$10,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$11,000,000"; and by striking out the figure “$213,274,161” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “214,274,161”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-540

EHS 540

Recovery Coach Licensure for Substance Use Treatment

Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following 6 sections:-

"SECTION ___. Section 9 of chapter 13 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “workers” in line 8, the following words:- , the board of registration of recovery coaches,

SECTION ___. Said chapter 13 is hereby further amended by adding the following section:-

Section 110. (a) There shall be, within the department of public health, a board of registration of licensed recovery coaches that shall consist of 12 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be the commissioner of public health or a designee; 1 of whom shall be the commissioner of mental health or a designee; 6 of whom shall be employed as a recovery coach, recovery coach supervisor or educator representing demographic diversity from region, workplace, gender identification, culture or race; 1 of whom shall be a family member to an individual with a substance use disorder; 1 of whom shall represent a health plan; 1 of whom shall be a licensed physician or nurse specializing in addiction; and 1 of whom shall be a person with lived experience from a substance use disorder and received recovery coaching services. Members of the board shall be residents of the commonwealth.

(b) Each member of the board shall serve for a term of 3 years. Upon the expiration of a term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed. A member shall not serve for more than 2 consecutive terms; provided, however, that a person who is chosen to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term of a prior board member may serve for 2 consecutive terms in addition to the remainder of that unexpired term.

(d) The board shall, at its first meeting and annually thereafter, organize by electing from its membership a chair, a vice-chair and a secretary. Those officers shall serve until their successors are elected.

(e) The board shall meet at least four times annually and may hold additional meetings at the call of the chair or at such times as may be determined by the board. Board members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

SECTION ___. Section 1 of chapter 112 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “dentistry”, in line 12, the following words:- , the board of registration of recovery coaches,

SECTION ___. Section 164 of said chapter 112 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “therapist”, in line 23, the following words:- , recovery coach, authorized to practice under sections 290 to 292, inclusive,

SECTION ___. Said chapter 112 is further amended by adding after section 289 the following 3 sections:-

Section 290. (a) The following words as used in sections 290 to 292, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:-

“Board”, the board of registration of recovery coaches, established under section 110 of chapter 13.

“Licensed Recovery Coach”, an individual who is authorized to practice with the title of licensed by the board of registration of recovery coaches under this chapter and who uses shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment to help others become and stay engaged in the process of recovery from a substance use disorder.

“Lived experience”, the experience of addiction and recovery from a substance use disorder.

(b) The board shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) to promulgate regulations and adopt such rules as are necessary to regulate recovery coaches;

(2) to receive, review, approve or disapprove initial applications, renewals and reinstatement requests, and to issue those authorizations to practice;

(3) to establish administrative procedures for processing applications submitted under clause (2) and to hire or appoint such agents as are appropriate for processing applications;

(4) to retain records of its actions and proceedings in accordance with public records laws;

(5) to establish specifications for the authorized practice of recovery coaching; provided, that the specifications shall require individuals to have lived experience and demonstrate at least 2 years of sustained recovery; provided further, that the lived experience requirement may be waived for individuals who were credentialed by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification before the establishment of the board;

(6) to define by regulation the appropriate standards for education, core competencies, and experience necessary to qualify as an authorized recovery coach, including, but not limited to, continuing professional education requirements; provided, that the board shall consider any standards contained within recovery coach training programs established by the department of public health;

(7) to establish an ethical code of conduct for recovery coaches authorized to practice by the board; provided, that the board shall consider any codes of conduct for recovery coach training programs established by the department of public health;

(8) to establish standards of supervision for students or persons in training to become a recovery coach; provided, that the board shall consider standards contained within recovery coach training programs established by the department of public health;

(9) to fine, censure, revoke, suspend or deny recovery coaches' authorization to practice, place on probation, reprimand or otherwise discipline a recovery coach for violations of the code of ethics or the rules of the board;

(10) to summarily suspend a recovery coach who poses an imminent danger to the public; provided, that the recovery coach shall be afforded a hearing within 7 business days to determine whether the summary action is warranted; and

(11) to perform other functions and duties as may be required to carry out this section.

Section 291. (a) An application to be a licensed recovery coach, under section 290, shall be made on forms approved by the board, signed under the penalties of perjury by the person certifying the information contained therein and accompanied by the required fee. The fee shall be determined by the secretary of administration and finance under section 3B of chapter 7. A recovery coach applicant shall furnish satisfactory proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age, is of good moral character of recent history and has met all the education, training and experience requirements and qualifications as established by the board. A “Certified Addictions Recovery Coach (CARC)” certification shall serve as satisfactory proof for application requirements inclusive of test exemption for a limited time period as determined by the board.

(b) The board, in consultation with the department of public health, shall determine the renewal cycle and renewal period for recovery coaches. A recovery coach authorized to practice under this chapter shall apply to the board for a renewal not later than the expiration date, as determined by the board, unless earlier revoked, suspended or canceled as a result of a disciplinary proceeding. As a condition for renewal under this section, the board may require satisfactory proof that the recovery coach has successfully completed the required number of hours of continuing education in courses or programs approved by the board or has complied with such other requirements or equivalent requirements as approved by the board. Upon satisfactory compliance with the requirements and successful completion of the continuing education requirements, the board shall issue a renewal. The board may provide for the late renewal that has lapsed and may require payment of a late fee. Each renewal application submitted to the board shall be accompanied by a fee as determined by the secretary of administration and finance under section 3B of chapter 7. The board may authorize a recovery coach to practice by reciprocity. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this section.

Section 292. (a) The title “Licensed Recovery Coach” shall only be used by individuals who have met the requirements and qualifications and hold a valid, current authorization issued by the board. The use by any person not so authorized of any words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying a person is an authorized recovery coach shall be a violation of this section for which the board may issue a cease and desist order and seek additional appropriate legal remedies. A person in the process of accruing work hours required for credentialing may still perform recovery coach duties, so long as they do not advertise themselves as “Licensed”.

(b) A person who violates subsection (a) shall be liable for a fine as determined by the board.

(c) No person filing a complaint alleging a violation of law or of the regulations of the board, reporting information pursuant to such laws or regulations or assisting the board at its request in any manner in discharging its duties and functions shall be liable in any cause of action arising out of the board's receipt of such information or assistance, if the person making the complaint, or reporting or providing such information or assistance, does so in good faith and without malice.

SECTION ___. No person shall be found to have violated section 292 of chapter 112 of the General Laws until 6 months after the board of registration of recovery coaches first issues an authorization to practice under said chapter 112.";

and moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0721, by striking out the figure "$3,009,996" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,009,996".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-541

EHS 541

Behavioral Health Clinic Rates Lifeline

Mr. Keenan, Ms. Gobi, Mr. Cronin and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION ___. Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 13D the following 2 sections:-

Section 13D ½.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

“Behavioral health clinic”, a clinic licensed by the department of public health pursuant to section 3 and sections 51 through 56 of chapter 111 of the general laws, as appearing in the 2020 official edition, and regulated pursuant to title 130 of the code of Massachusetts regulations 429.000.

“Behavioral health services”, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, care coordination, management, or peer support of patients with mental health, developmental or substance use disorder.

“Independent practitioner”, an individual who is licensed by the board to practice independent clinical social work and who meets the qualifications set forth in section 131 of chapter 112 of the general laws, as appearing in the 2020 official edition, for an independent clinical social worker and is regulated pursuant to title 130 of the code of Massachusetts regulations 462.000.

“Minimum payment rates”, rates of payment for services below which managed care entities may not enter into provider agreements.

(b) The division shall increase minimum payment rates for behavioral health services by 5% per procedure code for rates of payment effective as of January 1, 2023.

(c) Pursuant to sections 13C and 13D, and notwithstanding applicable state and federal laws, the division shall ensure that each rate of payment or component payment in a bundled rate for behavioral health services delivered in behavioral health clinics are no less than 20% above comparable behavioral health services delivered by independent practitioners.

(d) The division shall review behavioral health service rates biennially. This review shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (i) adoption of an inflationary adjustment factor no less than the total Medicare Economic Index percentage for the past two calendar years; (ii) where possible, comparison of the wage estimate for each classification of staff position to the 75th percentile wage estate for that position as determined by the most current United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for the commonwealth; and (iii) consideration of the reasonable cost to providers of any existing or new governmental mandate that has been enacted, promulgated or imposed by any governmental unit or federal governmental authority.

SECTION ___. Said chapter 118E is hereby amended by inserting after section 13L the following new section:-

Section 13M.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

“Behavioral health clinic”, a clinic licensed by the department of public health pursuant to section 3 and sections 51 through 56 of chapter 111 of the general laws, as appearing in the 2020 official edition, and that is regulated pursuant to title 130 of the code of Massachusetts regulations 429.000.

“Behavioral health services”, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, care coordination, management or peer support of patients with mental health, developmental or substance use disorder.

“Independent practitioner”, an individual who is licensed by the board to practice independent clinical social work and who meets the qualifications set forth in section 131 of chapter 112 of the general laws, as appearing in the 2020 official edition, and who is regulated pursuant to title 130 of the code of Massachusetts regulations 462.000.

“Managed care entity”, all contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization or primary care clinician plan, and accountable care organizations.

“Minimum payment rates”, rates of payment for services below which managed care entities may not enter into provider agreements.

(b) Notwithstanding applicable state and federal laws, the division shall direct its managed care entities to increase minimum payment rates for behavioral health services by 5% per procedure code for rates of payment effective as of January 1, 2023.

(c) The division shall direct managed care entities to ensure that each rate of payment or component payment in a bundled rate for behavioral health services delivered in behavioral health clinics is no less than 20% above comparable behavioral health services delivered by independent practitioners.

(d) The division shall review rates of payment by managed care entities for behavioral health services biennially. This review shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (i) adoption of an inflationary adjustment factor no less than the total Medicare Economic Index percentage for the past two calendar years; (ii) where possible, comparison of the wage estimate for each classification of staff position to the 75th percentile wage estate for that position as determined by the most current United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for the commonwealth; and (iii) consideration of the reasonable cost to providers of any existing or new governmental mandate that has been enacted, promulgated or imposed by any governmental unit or federal governmental authority."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-542

EHS 542

Equitable Behavioral Health Crisis Evaluations

Mr. Keenan, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5047-0001, by inserting after the words “acute inpatient mental health care services;” the following words:- “ provided further, that $5,000,000 shall be expended to cover behavioral health crisis evaluations in acute care hospitals provided to uninsured patients and to Medicare-only patients”; and by striking the figure “$22,281,789” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$27,281,789”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-543

EHS 543

Behavioral Health Hospital Support and Workforce Solutions

Messrs. Keenan, Lewis and Collins and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following 8 new sections:-

“SECTION ___. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended in section 51½ by striking the definition of “licensed mental health professional” and inserting in place thereof the following:-

“Licensed mental health professional”, a: (i) licensed physician who specializes in the practice of psychiatry or addiction medicine; (ii) licensed psychologist; (iii) licensed independent clinical social worker; (iv) licensed certified social worker; (v) licensed mental health counselor; (vi) licensed mental health counselor; (vii) licensed physician assistant who practices in the field of psychiatry or addiction medicine; (viii) licensed psychiatric clinical nurse specialist; (ix) licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; (x) certified addictions registered nurse; (xi) licensed alcohol and drug counselor I as defined in section 1 of chapter 111J; (xii) healthcare provider, as defined in section 1, qualified within the scope of the individual's license to perform substance use disorder evaluations, including an intern, resident or fellow pursuant to the policies and practices of the hospital and medical staff; (xiii) other licensed master’s level mental health clinician, including, but not limited to, licensed alcohol and drug counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist; or (xiv) individual with a master’s degree in a clinical behavioral health practice pursuing licensure post master’s under the supervision of an appropriately licensed and credentialed clinician.

SECTION ___. Section 51¾ of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as inserted by Chapter 177 of the Acts of 2022, is hereby amended by striking out the second sentence and replacing it with the following sentence:-

The regulations shall define “licensed mental health professional”, which shall include, but not be limited to, a: (i) licensed physician who specializes in the practice of psychiatry or addiction medicine; (ii) licensed psychologist; (iii) licensed independent clinical social worker; (iv) licensed certified social worker; (v) licensed mental health counselor; (vi) licensed supervised mental health counselor; (vii) licensed physician assistant who practices in the field of psychiatry; (viii) licensed psychiatric clinical nurse specialist; (ix) licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; (x) healthcare provider, as defined in section 1, qualified within the scope of the individual's license to conduct an evaluation of a mental health condition, including an intern, resident or fellow pursuant to the policies and practices of the hospital and medical staff; (xi) other licensed master’s level mental health clinician, including, but not limited to, licensed alcohol and drug counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist; or (xii) individual with a master’s degree in a clinical behavioral health practice pursuing licensure post master’s under the supervision of an appropriately licensed and credentialed clinician.

SECTION ___. Section 1 of chapter 175 of the general laws, as amended by chapter 177 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Domestic company” the following definition:-

“Emergency services programs”, all programs subject to contract between the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership and provider organizations for the provision of acute care hospital and community-based emergency behavioral health services, including, but not limited to, behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, through: (i) mobile crisis intervention services for youth; (ii) mobile crisis intervention services for adults; (iii) emergency service provider community-based locations; (iv) emergency departments of acute care hospitals or satellite emergency facilities; (v) adult community crisis stabilization services; and (vi) youth community crisis stabilization services.

SECTION ___. Section 47B of chapter 175 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph of subsection (i) and replacing it with the following paragraph:-

For the purposes of this section, ''licensed mental health professional'' shall mean a licensed physician who specializes in the practice of psychiatry or addiction medicine; a licensed psychologist; a licensed independent clinical social worker; a licensed mental health counselor; a licensed nurse mental health clinical specialist; a licensed physician assistant who practices in the field of psychiatry or addiction medicine; a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, other licensed master’s level mental health clinician including, but not limited to, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor I, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111J, or a licensed marriage and family therapist within the lawful scope of practice for such therapist; or a clinician practicing under the supervision of a licensed professional, and working towards licensure, in a clinic or hospital licensed under chapter 111.

SECTION ___. Section 8A of chapter 176A of the general laws, as amended by chapter 177 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph of subsection (i) and replacing it with the following paragraph:-

SECTION ___. Section 4A of chapter 176B of the general laws, as amended by chapter 177 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph of subsection (i) and replacing it with the following paragraph:-

SECTION ___. Section 4M of chapter 176G of the general laws, as amended by chapter 177 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph of subsection (i) and replacing it with the following paragraph:-

SECTION ___. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the division of insurance, in consultation with the division of medical assistance, shall promulgate regulations or issue sub-regulatory guidance, within 30 days of the effective date of this act, to require carriers reimburse acute care hospitals with emergency departments or satellite emergency facilities for the provision of emergency behavioral health services, including, but not limited to, behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services. The regulations or sub-regulatory guidance shall include reimbursement for the provision of emergency behavioral services via telemedicine, electronic or telephonic consultation, in accordance with section 51¾ of chapter 111 of the general laws. The contractual rate for these services may be no less than the prevailing MassHealth rate for behavioral health emergency department crisis evaluations. This does not preclude a hospital from billing for other medically necessary services traditionally reimbursed through an emergency department visit and is also in addition to required reimbursement by carriers for each day a member waits in an emergency department, observation unit or inpatient floor for placement in an appropriate inpatient psychiatric placement, as required by section 78 of chapter 177 of the acts of 2022. The insurer shall reimburse other medically necessary services and for patients awaiting an inpatient psychiatric placement in addition to payment for emergency behavioral health services. Behavioral health services provided in this setting under this section shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization by an insurer.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-544-R1

Redraft EHS 544

Foster Care Psychiatric Consultation Pilot

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Eldridge, Gomez and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. O'Connor and Feeney, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Pacheco and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended to the foster child evaluation services clinic at the University of Massachusetts medical school to pilot a trauma-informed psychiatric consultation program for children in foster care"; and by striking out the figure “$119,289,950” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$119,639,950”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-544

EHS 544

Foster Care Psychiatric Consultation Pilot

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Brady, Eldridge, Gomez and Keenan, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. O'Connor and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for the Foster Child Evaluation Services Clinic at UMass to pilot a model of trauma-informed psychiatric consultation for children in foster care"; and by striking out the figure “$119,289,950” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$119,639,950”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-545

EHS 545

North Star Family Services

Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:-

“; provided further that no less than $20,000 shall be expended to the North Star Family Services, Inc for operational costs;" and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$120,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-545-R1

Redraft EHS 545

North Star Family Services

Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to North Star Family Services, Inc for operational costs"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$120,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-546

EHS 546

Refugee Resettlement

Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Eldridge, Lewis, Keenan, Montigny and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4003-01222 the following item:-

"4003-0123 For the resettlement agencies in the commonwealth that contract with the United States Department of State to resettle refugees and immigrants to provide services and support to refugees and other displaced persons eligible for the services provided by said resettlement agencies; provided, that, at the discretion of the agency, not less than 75 per cent of the funds may be expended on direct assistance to refugees and immigrants, including, but not limited to, assistance securing immigration status in the United States, and not more than 25 per cent of the funds may be expended to support the infrastructure of the resettlement agencies on a pro-rata basis; and provided further, that any unexpended funds in item 4003-0122 of section 2 of chapter 24 of the acts of 2021, as amended by section 65 of chapter 102 of the acts of 2021 and further amended by section 35 of chapter 42 of the acts of 2022, shall not revert to the General Fund but shall be made available until September 30, 2023…. $1,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-547

EHS 547

Community Servings - Medically Tailored Meals For The Chronically Ill

Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by inserting the following:- "provided further that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Community Servings for the purposes of providing medically tailored meals to persons battling chronic illnesses and workforce training programs to those recovering from addiction.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-548

EHS 548

Friends of Children Focus

Messrs. Mark, Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1000, by adding the following: "provided further, that not less than $225,000 shall be expended for supporting transition-aged youth through the Friends of Children FOCUS Program".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-549

EHS 549

LGBTQ+ Elders

Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Feeney, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Eldridge, Timilty, Cyr and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be allocated to Outstanding Life for the operation of a statewide Virtual Senior Center for LGBTQIA+ older adults"; and by striking out the figure “$26,300,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,425,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-550

EHS 550

Hilltown Youth Recovery Theater

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Hilltown Youth Performing Arts Program, Inc. for the Recovery Theatre”;

and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-551

EHS 551

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services

Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Eldridge, Lewis, Gomez, Brady, Payano, O'Connor, Feeney, Collins, Timilty and Fattman and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1136, by striking out, in line 2, the figure "$7,900,449" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,961,525”; and by striking out, in line 7, the figure "$61,084,884" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$67,250,232”; and by striking out the figure “$71,211,757” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$76,211,757”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-552

EHS 552

Brien Center Northern Berkshires

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by inserting after "substances" the following:-

"; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Brien Center located in the city of North Adams".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-553

EHS 553

Vocational Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Cronin, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Collins and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-2000, by striking out the figure “$25,858,336” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,792,086”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-554-R1

Redraft EHS 554

Interstate Telehealth and Patient Continuity of Care

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:-

"SECTION ____. a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services shall establish a task force to address barriers and impediments to the practice of telehealth across state lines. The task force shall consist of: the secretary of the executive office of health and human services or a designee who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of the department of public health or a designee; the commissioner of the department of mental health or a designee; the executive director of the board of registration in medicine or a designee; the Undersecretary of the office of consumer affairs and business regulation or a designee; a representative from the health policy commission; a representative from the Massachusetts Medical Society; a representative from the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association; a representative from the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers; and a representative of the Massachusetts nurses association.

b) The task force shall conduct an analysis and issue a report evaluating the commonwealth’s options to facilitate appropriate interstate medical practice and the practice of telemedicine including consideration of the recommendations from the Federation of State Medical Boards Workgroup on telemedicine, the Telehealth Act developed by the Uniform Law Commission, model legislation developed by the American Medical Association, the interstate medical licensure compact, and/or other licensure reciprocity agreements. The analysis and report shall include but not be limited to: (i) an analysis of physician job vacancies in the commonwealth broken down by practice specialization and projected vacancies based on the demographics of the commonwealth’s physician workforce and medical school graduate retention rates; (ii) an analysis of other states’ entry into the interstate medical licensure compact and any impact on quality of care resulting from entry; (iii) an analysis of the ability of physicians to provide follow-up care across state lines, including via telehealth; (iv) an analysis of registration models for providers who may provide care for patients via telehealth with the provider located in one state and the patient located in another state, provided that said analysis would include delineation of provider responsibilities for registration and reporting to state professional licensure boards; (v) an analysis of impacts to health care quality, cost and access resulting from other states’ entry into a medical licensure compact, as well as anticipated impacts to health care quality, cost and access associated with entry into an interstate medical licensure compact; (vi) evaluations of barriers and solutions regarding prescribing across state lines; (vii) evaluations of the feasibility of a regional reciprocity agreement allowing telemedicine across state lines both for existing patient provider relationships and/or the establishment of new relationships; (viii) evaluations of the feasibility of the establishment of interstate proxy credentialing; (ix) recommendations to support the continuity of care for patients utilizing telehealth across state lines including but not limited to recommendations to support the continuity of care for children and adolescents when providing telehealth across state lines; (x) consideration of the recommendations from the Federation of State Medical Boards Workgroup on telemedicine, the Telehealth Act developed by the Uniform Law Commission, model legislation developed by the American Medical Association, the interstate medical licensure compact, and/or other reciprocity agreements.

(c) The task force shall submit its recommendations to the governor and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate not later than October 1, 2023.

SECTION __. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services shall establish a task force to address barriers and impediments to the practice of telehealth by health professionals across state lines. including advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, behavioral and allied health professions, and other health professions licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health. The task force shall consist of: the secretary of the executive office of health and human services or a designee who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of the department of public health or a designee; the commissioner of the department of mental health or a designee; the executive director of the board of registration in nursing or a designee; the Undersecretary of the office of consumer affairs and business regulation or a designee; and 12 persons to be appointed by the secretary of the executive office of health and human services representing organizations that represent advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, hospitals, patients, social workers, behavioral health professions, allied health professions, telehealth and other healthcare professionals licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health.

(b) The task force shall: i) investigate interstate license reciprocity models with other nearby states for advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, behavioral health, social workers, allied health and other health professionals licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health to ensure that there is sufficient access for professionals throughout the region and ensure that continuity of care for patients is achieved for patients that access services in state’s throughout the region; ii) consider recommendations to support the continuity of care for patients utilizing telehealth across state lines including but not limited to recommendations to support the continuity of care for children and adolescents when providing telehealth across state lines; and iii) examine registration models for providers who may provide care for patients via telehealth with the provider located in one state and the patient located in another state. Such examination would include delineation of provider responsibilities for registration and reporting to state professional licensure boards.

(c) The task force shall submit its recommendations to the governor and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate not later than February 1, 2024."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-554

EHS 554

Interstate Telehealth and Patient Continuity of Care

Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:-

SECTION ____. a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services shall establish a task force to address barriers and impediments to the practice of telehealth across state lines. The task force shall consist of: the secretary of the executive office of health and human services or a designee who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of the department of public health or a designee; the commissioner of the department of mental health or a designee; the executive director of the board of registration in medicine or a designee; the Undersecretary of the office of consumer affairs and business regulation or a designee; a representative from the health policy commission; a representative from the Massachusetts Medical Society; a representative from the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association; and a representative from the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.

(c) The task force shall submit its recommendations to the governor and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate not later than October 1, 2023.

(c) The task force shall submit its recommendations to the governor and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate not later than February 1, 2024."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-555

EHS 555

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. O'Connor, Feeney and Cyr, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0007, by striking out the figure “$11,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-561-R1

Redraft EHS 561

Maternal Health Fund

Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Crighton, Mark, Lewis, Rush, Gomez and Eldridge, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Brady and Barrett, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Payano, Keenan and Timilty, Ms. Lovely, Ms. Creem and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended to support the development and operation of freestanding birth centers to cover costs including, but not limited to, facility costs, start-up expenditures and the cost of the provision of full prenatal care and extensive postpartum care; provided further, that funds shall be issued through a competitive grant process; provided further, that nonprofit birth centers and maternal health-centered community-based nonprofits shall be eligible to apply for the funds; provided further, that the department of public health shall promulgate regulations establishing application criteria, which shall include a requirement that a birth center be licensed or be in active pursuit of licensure; provided further, that priority for funding shall be given to birth centers that serve communities historically impacted most by racial inequities in maternal health including, but not limited to, high rates of maternal and infant mortality”; and by striking out the figure “$10,533,558” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,533,558”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-561

EHS 561

Maternal Health Fund

Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Crighton, Mark, Lewis, Rush, Gomez and Eldridge, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Brady and Barrett, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Payano, Keenan and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after 4510-0110 the following line-item:

XXXX-XXXX For a reserve to support the development and operation of freestanding birth centers, including but not limited to facility costs, start-up expenditures, and provision of full prenatal care and extensive postpartum care, provided that funds shall be issued through a competitive grant process and available to nonprofit birth centers; provided further that application criteria should include licensure or active pursuit of licensure to be determined by the department of public health through regulations; provided further that priority for funding shall be given to those birth centers that serve communities historically impacted most by racial inequities in maternal health; including high rates of maternal and infant mortality……… $2,500,000

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-562

EHS 562

Personal Needs Allowance

Mr. Montigny, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor, Timilty and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0601, by striking the figure "$72.80" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-563

EHS 563

Holyoke Health Center

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by inserting after “services” the following words:-

“; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Holyoke Health Center, a federally qualified community health center in the City of Holyoke, for the feasibility planning of a new energy efficient healthcare services workforce development center;" and by striking out the figure "$5,600,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,700,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-565

EHS 565

Cape Cod & Islands Veterans Outreach Center

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided, that not less than $55,000 shall be expended to the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. for veterans housing and homelessness prevention, food security, and transportation services, including a contract for services with the Blinded Veterans Association of Cape Cod and the Islands”; and by striking out the figure "$4,242,655" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,542,655".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-565-R1

Redraft EHS 565

Cape Cod & Islands Veterans Outreach Center

Messrs. Cyr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0250, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $63,000 shall be expended to the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. for veterans’ housing and homelessness prevention, food security and transportation services, including a contract for services with the Cape Cod & Islands regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association”; and by striking out the figure "$4,242,655" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,305,655".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-566

EHS 566

Latham Centers

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5920-2000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the Latham Centers, Inc. for upgrades to food service facilities"; and by striking out the figure "$1,715,777,146"; and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,715,852,146".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-567

EHS 567

Cape Cod SHINE Program

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1455, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $22,000 shall be expended for the Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone, or SHINE program, in Cape Cod"; and by striking out the figure "$19,552,870" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$19,574,870".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-568-R1

Redraft EHS 568

Drink Spiking Tests Bulk Purchase Program and Awareness Campaign

Messrs. Feeney and O'Connor, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Moore, Ms. Creem and Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1136, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the department of public health’s division of sexual and domestic violence prevention and services, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to develop, research and recommend evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention strategies to address the rising incidence of reported drink spiking in the commonwealth; provided further, that funds may be expended for the bulk purchase of drink spiking test kits to be distributed at bars, restaurants and nightlife establishments in the commonwealth; provided further, that not later than December 29, 2023, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on public health and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) recommendations for eligible, research-based drink spiking prevention tools, including, but not limited to, drink spiking test kits; (ii) an examination of how prevention tools can be distributed in an effective manner to individuals and vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, distribution directly to bars, restaurants and nightlife establishments; and (iii) other considerations the department may deem relevant for an evidence-based or evidence-informed public health response to drink spiking incidents in the commonwealth; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the department of public health’s division of sexual and domestic violence prevention and services to develop and launch a strategic and comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform the public about the prevalence and danger of involuntary drink spiking through the department’s website, digital and social media, traditional media and other media; provided further, that the department may partner with relevant advocacy organizations, employers, boards of health, institutions of higher education and community groups to ensure that the campaign reaches populations deemed most at risk of being targeted for drink spiking and includes evidence-based, evidence-informed and culturally-relevant response and safety tips for patrons at bars, restaurants and nightlife establishments”; and by striking out the figure “$71,211,757” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$71,511,757”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-568

EHS 568

Drink Spiking Tests Bulk Purchase Program and Awareness Campaign

Messrs. Feeney and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1136, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the department of public health division of sexual and domestic violence prevention and services, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to develop, research, and recommend evidence-based prevention strategies to address the rising incidence of reported drink spiking in the commonwealth; provided further, that monies from this item may be appropriated for the bulk purchase of drink spiking test kits to be distributed at bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments in the commonwealth; provided further, that not later than December 31, 2023 the department shall submit a report to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint committee on public health, and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing recommendations for eligible, research-based drink spiking prevention tools, including, but not limited to, drink spiking test kits, an examination of how prevention tools can be distributed in an effective manner to individuals and vulnerable populations, including distribution directly to bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments, and other considerations the department may deem relevant for an evidence-based public health response to drink spiking incidents in the commonwealth; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the department of public health division of sexual and domestic violence prevention and services to develop and launch a strategic and comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform the public about the prevalence and danger of involuntary drink spiking through the department’s website, digital and social media, traditional media, and other media, provided that the department may partner with relevant advocacy organizations, employers, boards of health, institutions of higher education and community groups to ensure that the campaign reaches the populations that are most at risk of being targeted for drink spiking and includes evidence-based and culturally relevant response and safety tips for patrons at bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments”; and by striking out the figure “$71,211,757” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$71,711,757”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-569

EHS 569

Baystate Noble Hospital Opioid Treatment

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting the following words:-

“; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended to Baystate Noble Hospital in the city of Westfield for a grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioids and related substances;” and

by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$160,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-569-R1

Redraft EHS 569

Baystate Noble Hospital Opioid Treatment

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Baystate Noble Hospital in the city of Westfield for a grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioids and related substances”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-570

EHS 570

Greater New Bedford Community Health Center

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Office-Based Addiction/Opioid Treatment, a program of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$300,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-571

EHS 571

Long-Term Care Career Ladders

Messrs. Montigny, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2E, by inserting after item 1595-1070 the following item:-

“1595-1071 For an operating transfer to the Long-Term Care Career Ladder Fund, established in section 35TTT of chapter 10 of the General Laws………………….$10,000,000”; and

by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Chapter 10 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 35SSS the following section:-

Section 35TTT. There shall be established on the books and records of the commonwealth a non-budgeted special revenue fund known as a long-term care career ladder fund to be expended, without further appropriation, by the secretary of health and human services to advance career ladders in long-term care in accordance with section 410 of chapter 159 of the acts of 2000. The secretary may use the funds to pay for: (i) grants provided by the Commonwealth Corporation for certified nurses’ aides, home health aides, homemakers and other entry-level long-term care workers; (ii) costs for tuition, books, and fees related to the cost of education and training for said long-term care workers; (iii) costs related to becoming licensed, including, but not limited to, testing costs, study courses, testing fees, and licensing fees; (iv) stipends for participants who participate in the career ladder program; and (v) up to 4 per cent of the amount of the grant program for administrative costs.

The fund shall be credited with: (i) appropriations or other money authorized or transferred by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; (ii) funds from public and private sources, including, but not limited to gifts, grants, donations, and payments from employers and program participants participating in the program; (iii) federal funds; and (iv) any interest earned on such money. Amounts credited to the fund shall not be subject to further appropriation and money remaining in the fund at the close of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund. The secretary shall report annually, not later than January 1, on the fund's activity to the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on elder affairs and the house and senate committees on ways and means. The report shall include, but not be limited to: (1) revenue received by the fund; and (2) expenditures from the fund, including the recipient, date and reason for the expenditure.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-572

EHS 572

Sturbridge Senior Center Infrastructure Improvements

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by inserting the following words: - “provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the town of Sturbridge for interior and exterior renovation at the Sturbridge senior center”; and

in said section 2, in said item 9110-9002, by striking out the figure “$26,300,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,350,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-573

EHS 573

Combating V.I.P. Medicine to Protect Healthcare Access and Affordability

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Section 10 of chapter 6D of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking subsection (m) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-

“(m) All health care entities shall, in good faith, work to implement the performance improvement plan. A health care entity seeking to establish new business partnerships or operations outside of the commonwealth while implementing a performance improvement plan shall not be considered to be working in good faith and shall be subject to penalties set forth in subsection (q). At any point during the implementation of the performance improvement plan the health care entity may file amendments to the performance improvement plan, subject to approval of the commission.”; and

by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION ___. Said section 10 of chapter 6D of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking subsection (q) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-

“(q) If the commission determines that a health care entity has: (i) willfully neglected to file a performance improvement plan with the commission within 45 days as required under subsection (d); (ii) failed to file an acceptable performance improvement plan in good faith with the commission; (iii) failed to implement the performance improvement plan in good faith; or (iv) knowingly failed to provide information required by this section to the commission or that knowingly falsifies the same, the commission shall assess a civil penalty to the health care entity of $500,000 per day. Fines collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Health Safety Net Trust Fund established in section 66 of chapter 118E.”; and

by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 53H the following section:-

Section 53I. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, no health care provider shall knowingly or intentionally violate department rules and regulations adopted under this chapter, at the direct request of a patient, authorized caregiver or other interested person. Any violation shall be documented and reported by the health care provider to the department within 72 hours. The department may impose penalties including, but not limited to, a fine of up to $5,000 per violation or complaint to the relevant board of registration. A health care provider who fails to report a violation, as so provided, may be subject to additional penalties up to $50,000 per violation.

(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a health care provider shall not knowingly or intentionally designate, mark, label or confer any special status unrelated to medical diagnosis, treatment or care to a patient due to socio-economic status or direct relationship to the health care provider. The department may impose penalties including, but not limited to, a fine of up to $5,000 per violation or complaint to the relevant board of registration.

(c) A penalty assessed under this section shall not preclude the department from assessing fees for violations under this chapter.

(d) A health care provider reporting a violation pursuant to this section shall be afforded protection from retaliatory action in accordance with section 187 of chapter 149.

(e) The commissioner may promulgate regulations to enforce this section.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-574

EHS 574

Douglas Senior Center Transportation

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the town of Douglas for the purchase of a transport van for the Douglas senior center”; and

in said section 2, in said item 9110-9002, by striking out the figure “$26,300,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,350,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-574-R1

Redraft EHS 574

Douglas Senior Center Transportation

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended for the purchase of a transport van for the senior center in the town of Douglas”; and by striking out the figure “$26,300,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,330,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-576

EHS 576

Immigrants' Assistance Center

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended as a grant for Immigrants Assistance Center, Inc. in the city of New Bedford to provide citizenship and workforce readiness programming "; and by striking out the figure “$1,036,958” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,111,958”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-577-R1

Redraft EHS 577

Bridge of Faith Youth Center Expansion

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0051, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for expansion projects to the Bridge of Faith Youth Center, Inc. in the city known as the town of Southbridge”; and by striking out the figure “$500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$525,000 ”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-577

EHS 577

Bridge of Faith Youth Center Expansion

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0051, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended to the Bridge of Faith Youth Center, Inc. in the town of Southbridge for expansion projects”; and by striking out the figure “$500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$515,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-577-R2

2nd Redraft EHS 577

Bridge of Faith Youth Center Expansion

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for youth programming at the Bridge of Faith Youth Center, Inc. in the city known as the town of Southbridge”; and by striking out the figure “$1,250,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,275,000 ”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-578-R1

Redraft EHS 578

Preventing Patient Abuse and Death in Nursing Homes

Mr. Montigny and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Section 73 of chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

Notwithstanding the above paragraph, whoever violates any rule or regulation made pursuant to sections 71, 71C, 72, or 72C shall be punished by such fine not to exceed $23,989, unless the department determines a higher amount is permitted pursuant to 42 CFR 488.438. If any licensee violates any such rule or regulation by allowing a condition to exist which may be corrected or remedied, the department shall order said licensee, in writing, to correct or remedy such condition, and if such licensee fails or refuses to comply with such order, each day during which such failure or refusal to comply continues shall constitute a separate offense. Fines collected pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited into the Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Fund established pursuant to section 2UUUU of chapter 29 and shall not revert to the General Fund.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-578

EHS 578

Preventing Patient Abuse and Death in Nursing Homes

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Section 73 of chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

Notwithstanding the above paragraph, whoever violates any rule or regulation made pursuant to sections 71, 71C, 72, or 72C shall be punished by such fine not to exceed $22,320, unless the department determines a higher amount is permitted pursuant to 42 CFR 488.438. If any licensee violates any such rule or regulation by allowing a condition to exist which may be corrected or remedied, the department shall order said licensee, in writing, to correct or remedy such condition, and if such licensee fails or refuses to comply with such order, each day during which such failure or refusal to comply continues shall constitute a separate offense. Fines collected pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited into the Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Fund established pursuant to section 2UUUU of chapter 29 and shall not revert to the General Fund.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-579

EHS 579

Milford Regional Medical Center Development

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Milford Regional Medical Center in the town of Milford for a development and expansion study for medical care services”; and

in said section 2, in said item 4000-0300, by striking out the figure “$133,800,335” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$133,900,335”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-580

EHS 580

Transparency and Accountability for Assisted Living Residences

Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be an assisted living commission to study and recommend policies to ensure assisted living residences adequately meet the health and safety needs of residents. The study shall examine: (i) the current statutory and regulatory oversight of assisted living residences; (ii) assisted living best practices in other states; (iii) the benefits and disadvantages of licensing or certifying residences; (iv) marketing information communicated by residences to potential residents and families; (v) regulatory procedures for opening, closing or changing ownership of a residence including determination of need processes and clustering of facilities; (vi) trends in incident reports made to the executive office of elder affairs and the long term care ombudsman’s office and resolutions of such incidents; (vii) methods to provide transparency of information for potential consumers and family members researching and comparing residences; (viii) safety standards; (ix) existing consumer protections in statute and regulation; and (x) the provision of health care services in residences.

The commission shall consist of: the secretary of elder affairs or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of public health or a designee; the assistant secretary of MassHealth or a designee; the long term care ombudsman or a designee; the chairs of the joint committee on elder affairs or designees; and 8 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, 1 of whom shall be a representative of LeadingAge Massachusetts, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of AARP Massachusetts, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the New England chapter of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and 2 of whom shall be residents or family members of residents at an assisted living residence.

The commission shall meet not less than 6 times, including at least 1 public hearing, and shall produce a report detailing recommendations, which shall be published online by the executive office of elder affairs.

The commission shall file its report and recommendations, including proposed drafts of any necessary legislation or regulations, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on elder affairs and the house and senate committees on ways and means not more than 1 year following the effective date of this act.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-581

EHS 581

MassHealth redetermination assistance

Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by inserting the following:- "; provided further, that MassHealth, in consultation with the Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative and Metrowest Worker Center, Inc., shall deploy at least 2 certified application counselors to the MetroWest region to assist individuals in completing the MassHealth redetermination process".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-582

EHS 582

Re-entry program in Barnstable County

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 8000-0313, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $98,000 shall be expended to B FREE Coaching and Wellness, Inc. to launch a re-entry program in Barnstable County"; and by striking out the figure "$XXX" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$XXX".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-583

EHS 583

Preventing Death and Disability from Stroke

Mr. Montigny, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Feeney, Keenan, O'Connor, Moore and Pacheco and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

“SECTION ___. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and not later than 180 days after the effective date of this act, the department of public health shall promulgate regulations that create: (i) a statewide standard pre-hospital care protocol related to the assessment, treatment and transport of stroke patients by emergency medical services providers to a hospital designated by the department to care for stroke patients; provided, however, that the protocol shall be based on national evidence-based guidelines for transport of stroke patients, consider transport that crosses state lines and include plans for the triage and transport of suspected stroke patients, including, but not limited to, those who may have an emergent large vessel occlusion, to an appropriate facility within a specified timeframe following the onset of symptoms and additional criteria to determine which level of care is the most appropriate destination; (ii) statewide criteria for designating hospitals in a tiered system, featuring advanced designations in addition to primary stroke services, to treat stroke patients based on patient acuity; provided, however, that the tiers shall be based on criteria from at least 1 nationally-recognized program and shall not permit self-designation; provided further, that in developing such criteria, the department shall consider: (A) designation models and criteria developed by the Joint Commission, DNV GL Healthcare USA, Inc. or another national certifying body recognized by the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; (B) designation models and criteria adopted by other states and the differences in geography and health care resources of such other states; (C) the clinical and operational capability of a facility to provide stroke services, including emergency and ancillary stroke services; (D) limiting the routing of stroke patients to thrombectomy-capable facilities whenever a comprehensive stroke center is within a recommended timeframe to maximize technical competency and patient outcomes; and (E) procedures to suspend or revoke a facility’s designation if the department determines the facility is not in compliance with designation requirements and procedures to notify emergency medical services providers of any such suspension or revocation; and (iii) recommended national evidence-based quality and utilization measure sets for stroke care for use by the center for health information and analysis pursuant to section 14 of chapter 12C of the General Laws; provided, however, that the department shall consider measures in current use in national quality improvement programs including, but not limited to, the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the National Quality Forum, the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program or other nationally-recognized data platforms.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-584

EHS 584

Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans of America Benefits Program

Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Vietnam Veterans of America in Massachusetts to aid veterans filing claims for medical and financial benefits;" and by striking out the figure "$9,669,222" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,769,222".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-584-R1

Redraft EHS 584

Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans of America Benefits Program

Mr. Velis, Ms. Gobi and Messrs. O'Connor and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Vietnam Veterans of Massachusetts, Inc. to aid veterans in the commonwealth with filing claims for medical and financial benefits"; and by striking out the figure "$9,669,222" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,769,222".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-585

EHS 585

Expanding Options for EMT Paramedics

Messrs. Fattman and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-

“SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any emergency medical technician, as defined by section 1 of chapter 111C of the General Laws, who has been (i) awarded a paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, (ii) awarded an EMT-Paramedic certificate as administered by the department of public health, (iii) completed no less than 9,000 hours of paramedic field work for any licensed ambulance service in the commonwealth after receiving said certificates, and has (iv) completed a National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) approved preparation course, shall not be required to graduate from a Board of Registration in Nursing approved nursing program in the commonwealth to participate in the NCLEX-RN.

SECTION 2. Any emergency medical technician, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111C of the General Laws, who has been (i) awarded an associate of science, bachelor of science, or master of science in emergency medical services at an accredited college or university, (ii) awarded a paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, (iii) awarded an EMT-Paramedic certificate as administered by the department of public health, (iv) completed no less than 5,000 hours of paramedic field work for any licensed ambulance service in the commonwealth after receiving said certificates, and has (v) completed a National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) approved preparation course, shall not be required to graduate from a Board of Registration in Nursing approved nursing program in the commonwealth to participate in the NCLEX-RN.

SECTION 3. Any emergency medical technician paramedic shall be required to provide specific documentation for Good Moral Character (GMC) evaluation as defined in sections 74, 74A, and 76 of chapter 112 of the General Laws to be licensed as a registered nurse in the commonwealth.

SECTION 4. The department of public health shall implement said changes within one year of the passage of this act.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-586

EHS 586

Improving Patient Access to Prescription Medication

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION XX: Section 9 of Chapter 94C of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out subsection (b), as so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following:

(b) Notwithstanding section 17, a practitioner registered under section 7 may, in the good faith exercise of the practitioner’s clinical judgment, dispense by delivering to an ultimate user:

(1) Any prescription medication not regulated under this chapter;

(2) Any prescription medication classified by the department as schedule VI subject to such regulations as to safe storage, labeling, and recordkeeping as the department may adopt;

(3) Any prescription medication classified by the department as schedule II–V subject to such regulations as to safe storage, labeling, recordkeeping, dosage, and quantity as the department may adopt.

Before dispensing a prescription medication under this section, a practitioner must inform the ultimate user of their right to purchase the medication from any other practitioner registered under section 7.

This section shall not be construed to restrict a practitioner from dispensing any prescription medication necessary to respond to a medical emergency."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-587

EHS 587

Improving Newborn Screening Tests

Messrs. Fattman and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION XX. Section 110A of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, in line 3, after the word “cretinism” the following words:- Krabbe, Fabry, Gaucher, Pompe, MPS I, Niemann Pick A/B [disease]."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-588

EHS 588

Reaffirming the Dukakis Right-To-Shelter

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION XX. Section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding after line 44 the following:-

“Further, a needy family shall be any persons within the commonwealth, notwithstanding the lack of a present abode, with no present intention of definite and early removal, but not necessarily with the intention of remaining permanently; provided, however, that any such persons who enter the commonwealth solely for the purposes of obtaining benefits under this section shall not be considered eligible; provided, however, that the department shall require proof of the person’s last place of residence and proper identification from such person to determine if said person is eligible to receive benefits under this section.”