Massachusetts House Bill H378

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

For the protection and privacy of social care information

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the existing framework of data privacy laws pertaining to social care, reinforcing protections built on both federal and state regulations. It explicitly prohibits participating organizations from selling or licensing social care information stored or transmitted through a CLRS. This enforcement establishes a civil penalty for violations, thereby increasing accountability among organizations handling sensitive personal data. The introduction of these provisions indicates a legislative movement toward recognizing and addressing the importance of privacy in social service contexts.

Summary

House Bill H378 aims to enhance the protection and privacy of social care information by establishing stricter regulations on how this information can be handled by participating organizations. The bill introduces the concept of a 'Closed-Loop Referral System' (CLRS), a structured system designed to manage and share information related to individuals' social care needs. This system encompasses a variety of contributors, including healthcare providers, public agencies, and social care organizations. By defining clear parameters around what constitutes social care information, the bill seeks to safeguard the privacy of individuals reliant on these services.

Contention

During discussions around H378, there may have been points of contention concerning the balance between necessary data sharing for service effectiveness and the preservation of individual privacy rights. Advocates for the bill argue that these protections are essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations who rely on social care services, while critics may raise concerns about the practicality of implementing such stringent regulations without hindering the operations of organizations that provide crucial societal support. The bill presents a critical point of discussion among legislators about how to best protect social care recipients without stifling the essential services that these organizations provide.