Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2126

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to the civilian certification of military medical personnel

Impact

This legislative initiative is expected to impact state laws by creating a program overseen by the department of veterans' services in cooperation with the department of public health. The program will enable qualified military medical personnel to perform certain delegated medical acts under the supervision of licensed physicians. This move is designed to enhance the availability of healthcare providers in the state and acknowledge the skills of veterans and active military medical personnel, promoting their transition into civilian healthcare roles.

Summary

House Bill 2126 aims to facilitate the civilian certification of military medical personnel in Massachusetts. The bill defines 'military medical personnel' as individuals who have served in various capacities, such as medics or corpsmen, in the United States military and who have been honorably discharged. It outlines eligibility criteria for these individuals, including active-duty transitioning service members, recently discharged veterans, and National Guard or Reserve members, allowing them to participate in a new program designed to recognize their qualifications in civilian contexts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H2126 may arise from professional medical associations and groups concerned with maintaining patient safety and healthcare standards. Skeptics might argue that while the bill serves a vital purpose in recognizing the skills of military personnel, it could potentially blur the lines of accountability between military and civilian medical practices. Additionally, ensuring that supervisory physicians are adequately prepared to oversee these practitioners and maintain high standards of care will likely be a topic of discussion as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

MA H4739

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H2365

Relative to the civilian certification of military medical personnel

MA S2343

Relative to military personnel and medical records

MA S2485

Relative to military personnel and medical records

MA H3532

Relative to EMT certification of veterans and military medics

MA S2359

Relative to EMT certification of veterans and military medics

MA SB0017

Services for Department of Defense Civilian Employees

MA HB303

AN ACT relating to military healthcare personnel.

MA HB1960

Relating to reciprocity for emergency medical services personnel certification for certain United States military personnel.

MA HB4868

To reduce the certification period for certain emergency medical personnel from 4 years to 2 years

MA S4014

Provides for licensure of emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians and certification of mobility assistance vehicle operators; revises requirements for delivery of emergency medical and patient transportation services.

Similar Bills

CA SB614

California Military Department Support Fund activities.

CA AB481

Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

TX HB3841

Relating to military duty of a conservator of a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

CA AB361

Military Department: support programs.

NJ AJR198

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR106

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR74

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR109

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.