1 of 1
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3046 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1132
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Marjorie C. Decker
_________________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to external reviews and patient protection.
_______________
PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Marjorie C. Decker25th Middlesex1/16/2025 1 of 1
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3046 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1132
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1132) of
Marjorie C. Decker relative to external reviews and patient protections. Financial Services.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
_______________
An Act relative to external reviews and patient protection.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Section 24 of chapter 176O is hereby amended by adding the following paragraphs:
2 (f) Every external review must be conducted by a physician licensed to practice in the
3Commonwealth of Massachusetts and certified in the medical specialty underlying the medical
4claim at issue. Furthermore, such physician shall be identified to the patient, shall provide a
5written report to the patient detailing any and all findings and opinions rendered along with
6citations to any and all applicable peer reviewed materials which form the basis for such
7opinions, shall, when circumstances warrant, conduct a physical examination of the patient, and
8shall carry malpractice insurance for services rendered as part of the physician/patient
9relationship established through the external review process.
10 (g) The patient may appeal any external review decision in the superior court department
11of the trial court and, if successful, shall be entitled to recover any and all attorney's fees and
12costs incurred from the risk-bearing provider organization.