Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-420

EHS 420

PFAS Commission

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

"SECTION XX. The secretary of health and human services shall convene a stakeholder working group to make recommendations for any regulatory and legislative changes necessary to comprehensively advance healthcare professional training on PFAS by improving understanding of health effects, promoting evidence-based treatment strategies, and increasing access to ongoing learning opportunities. The working group shall include: the secretary of health and human services or a designee who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of public health or a designee; 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association; 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association; 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Medical Society; 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates; the chair of the house and senate committees on public health or designee; 1 member appointed by the house; 1 member appointed by the senate minority leader; and 2 members appointed by the governor.

The working group shall examine: (i) existing gaps in healthcare professional education and training related to PFAS exposure, associated health effects and evidence-based treatment and monitoring strategies; (ii) opportunities to improve access to continuing education, clinical guidance and public health resources related to PFAS exposure for healthcare professionals across the commonwealth; (iii) regulatory and legislative changes necessary to ensure insurance coverage for medically necessary screening, diagnostic testing and monitoring for residents exposed to PFAS contamination at levels exceeding applicable state or federal health advisory or regulatory limits, including coverage under private insurance plans, MassHealth and other public health coverage programs; and (iv) strategies to improve public awareness, patient access to care and coordination between healthcare providers, public health agencies and community organizations related to PFAS exposure and treatment.

The working group shall submit its report and any recommendations to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on public health and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than March 31, 2027."