The Massachusetts House last Wednesday passed the Children’s Health & Wellness Act, which was a priority for House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop), and was guided through the legislative process by committee chairs Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg), Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), Claire Cronin (D-Easton), and Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville), who has championed the issue of improving provider directories for patients.
MHA President & CEO Steve Walsh praised the House for unanimously passing the bill, which he said, “will help give a voice to our youngest, most vulnerable patients. It will ensure that when these children enter our healthcare system, they are set on a path that provides them with the access and protection they need and deserve. It will make finding appropriate caregivers easier and identify common pain points and solutions for access issues, including the creation of more accurate and accessible provider directories. It will also look for areas of advancement in pediatric behavioral health screening and care for children with complex medical needs. Certainly, success in these areas is crucial to creating a healthcare environment that serves the most fragile among us. We look forward to continuing our work with the entire legislature and the Baker administration to advance this measure and achieve the vital improvements to children’s healthcare in Massachusetts that it sets in motion.”