Massachusetts House Bill H2221

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Improving health care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism

Impact

If approved, HB 2221 would amend Chapter 17 of the General Laws in Massachusetts by adding a new section dedicated to this training program. The law would necessitate accredited medical, nursing, dental schools, and other institutions of higher education to implement this voluntary certification, which would be critical in enhancing educational standards in the treatment for those with specific needs. The bill’s intent is to ensure a consistent and high-quality educational framework across various healthcare fields, thereby creating a more knowledgeable workforce capable of delivering specialized care.

Summary

House Bill 2221 proposes the establishment of a voluntary certification training program for healthcare professionals focused on treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. This initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery by ensuring that medical professionals are adequately trained in best practices for caring for this population. The training program would be developed in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and existing models like Operation House Call, which has been effective in training young medical professionals in the necessary skills for this demographic.

Contention

The bill has the potential for supporting debate within legislative discussions, especially regarding the adequacy of existing training programs and the necessity for standardized healthcare practices. Some healthcare advocates may support the initiative as a means to address training gaps and improve outcomes for patients with intellectual disabilities. However, there may be concerns regarding the voluntary nature of the program, with critics arguing that other necessary changes in healthcare policy should be simultaneously addressed to holistically improve care for these populations.