Attorney General

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General (AG)’s Health Care Division works to protect employers and consumers by ensuring that health providers, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare-related entities follow Massachusetts laws. MHA works to ensure that the AG’s office understands and takes into consideration how hospitals, health systems, physician organizations and other healthcare providers fulfill and are affected by state requirements including Community Benefits, Determination of Need (DoN), and more.
02.17.2020  | Focus on Community Benefits: Baystate Franklin Medical Center
The Franklin County Perinatal Support Coalition is a multi-sector and provider initiative that convenes monthly more than 30 community agencies.
02.17.2020  | AG Accuses JUUL of Targeting Youths
Attorney General Maura Healy last week filed suit against JUUL Labs, the e-cigarette manufacturer.
02.10.2020  | Hospitals Saving Lives Inside and Outside of Their Walls
MHA has produced a publication – A Commitment to Community: Massachusetts Hospitals’ Community Benefit Initiatives – that details stories showing how hospitals are improving the health of individuals and communities.
10.21.2019  | AG Says Cost Tools, Payment Models Have Limitations
AG Healey will present a report at this week’s HPC trends hearing showing that policymakers should curb their expectations about online price transparency tools .
04.08.2019  | State Leaders Weigh in with the Feds on Opioid Issues
Despite the progress in Massachusetts fighting opioid use, the healthcare community and state political leaders are not letting up on the issue.
03.05.2019  | HB140 An Act Relative to Abusive Practices to Change Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Minor
HB140 An Act Relative to Abusive Practices to Change Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Minors Joint Committee on Children, Families & Persons with Disabilities
03.04.2019  | AG Slams Door Shut on Online Vaping Merchant
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office last week put a hard stop to an electronic vaping company’s sales in Massachusetts.
01.28.2019  | Baker Files FY20 Budget Proposal; Eyes Tax on Opioids
Governor Charlie Baker last Wednesday released a $42.7 billion FY2020 state budget proposal that among other things maintains level MassHealth provider reimbursement rates,
01.14.2019  | AG Grants Support Healthcare Partnerships
Using funding from recent settlements through its healthcare division, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office last week distributed $3 million in grants to organizations addressing social determinants of health.
12.24.2018  | Efforts Underway to Defend the ACA
State Attorney Generals across the U.S. will be working through the Christmas holiday preparing expedited briefs supporting the Affordable Care Act.
12.03.2018  | Beth Israel Lahey Health Gets State & Federal Approval for Merger
Perhaps the largest and most complex healthcare merger in state history is all but final after Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s office ok'd the merger with conditions.
11.05.2018  | Dozens of Reasons to Oppose Question 1 (And We Could Have Added More)
Care is fluid and ever-changing and should not be determined by a rigid number arrived at through popular vote. Vote NO on 1.
10.15.2018  | Health Council Sets Further Conditions on BIDMC-Lahey Deal
The Massachusetts Public Health Council last week weighed in on the proposed Beth Israel Deaconess-Lahey merger.
07.16.2018  | HPC Insight into BID-Lahey Merger Due this Week
The HPC is expected to vote Wednesday on the preliminary Cost & Market Impact Review relating to the BID-Lahey merger.
04.23.2018  | Immigration Toolkit Complements MHA Efforts
With increased federal activity relating to immigration, healthcare facilities have been grappling with questions related to patients and staff whose legal status in the U.S. may be in jeopardy.
04.09.2018  | Merger Takes Another Step to Fulfillment
The Massachusetts Public Health Council last week approved the proposed merger of he Beth Israel Deaconess system, Lahey Health, and other entities.
03.12.2018  | Merger Takes Big Step to Fulfillment
The deal involving Lahey Health, the Beth Israel Deaconess system, and other entities received a favorable report from DPH.
02.12.2018  | AG’s Office Releases Updated Community Benefits Guidelines
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey last Wednesday issued new community benefits guidelines for hospitals and HMOs.
01.08.2018  | HPC Refers Partners-Mass Eye and Ear Merger to AG
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) last week issued its final review of the proposed merger between Partners HealthCare and Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
12.19.2017  | HB1143 / SB1199 An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services
HB1143 / SB1199 An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.


Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.


To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites: