Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S683

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

MA S2636

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.

Previously Filed As

MA S793

To save lives by preventing unscrupulous medical referral restrictions by profit-driven health care networks

MA S1065

To prevent unscrupulous medical debt recovery practices

MA S1194

To prevent unscrupulous medical debt recovery practices

MA H1087

Preventing inappropriate denials by insurers for medically necessary services

MA S604

Ensuring access to healthcare and medically necessary food for children

MA S691

Ensuring access to healthcare and medically necessary food for children

MA H0601

Referral of Patients by Health Care Providers

MA S2636

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.

MA AB1670

Medical referral services: treatment referrals.

MA S1122

Regulates physician profiling programs used by managed care networks.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.