To save lives by preventing unscrupulous medical referral restrictions by profit-driven health care networks
Impact
If enacted, S683 would amend sections of the General Laws, specifically Chapter 6D and Chapter 176O, to strengthen the rights of patients and healthcare providers in making referrals. The legislation seeks to prevent profit-driven healthcare networks from unduly restricting referrals based on affiliation status. This means that a healthcare provider could recommend services to a patient at an outside facility without facing penalties or barriers imposed by their own employing organization, thereby improving patient choice and outcomes.
Summary
Bill S683, also known as the 'Act to save lives by preventing unscrupulous medical referral restrictions by profit-driven health care networks', aims to improve patient access to medical services by addressing restrictive referral practices within the healthcare industry. The bill proposes amendments to existing Massachusetts laws that govern healthcare providers and their relationships with patients and facilities. The central goal is to ensure that healthcare providers can refer patients to outside, non-affiliated facilities or providers when they believe it is in the patient's best interest or at the direct request of the patient.
Contention
The bill has been positioned as an essential measure to combat practices that may compromise patient care in favor of financial interests of healthcare networks. However, there may be contention surrounding the bill regarding the balance it strikes between patient access and the financial viability of healthcare facilities and providers. Stakeholders may raise concerns about the implications of unfettered referrals on network management and service quality, potentially leading to a lively debate in the legislature as the bill moves forward.
Replaced by
Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Financial Services to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to financial services matters.
Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Financial Services to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to financial services matters.