Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight
The Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA), on behalf of its member hospitals, health systems, physician organizations, and allied healthcare providers, appreciates this opportunity to testify in opposition to SB1682, “An Act Providing for 3rd Party Expert Evaluation of Scope of Practice Legislation.
”MHA opposes SB1682 significantly alters the legislature’s judgement and consideration of any proposal to change the scope of practice of a licensed healthcare provider. The bill would require the Health Policy Commission (HPC), upon the request of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, to conduct a review and examination of such proposals. The bill then sets forth a set of strict changes to legislative rules to govern the legislative debate and procedures dependent upon the HPC findings. MHA believes this proposed entwinement of the HPC with the legislative process is highly improper and would simply divert resources needed to accomplish HPC’s current role and responsibilities.
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments on this important matter. If you have any questions or concerns or require further information, please contact Michael Sroczynski, MHA’s Vice-President of Government Advocacy, at (781) 262-6055 or msroczynski@mhalink.org.