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HD 4028

An Act protecting the interests of patients in the event of the sale, relocation or closure of certain physician practices

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Lawn

Massachusetts bill requiring physician practices to notify patients before sale/closure and ensure timely access to medical records to protect continuity of care.

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Bill Summary · HD 4028

Legislative bill overview

HD 4028 requires physician practices that are being sold, relocated, or closed to notify patients in advance and provide them with access to their medical records. The bill establishes specific timelines and procedures for these notifications and ensures continuity of care during practice transitions.

Why is this important

When medical practices abruptly close or relocate without notice, patients can lose access to critical medical records and continuity of care, potentially disrupting ongoing treatments and creating gaps in their healthcare. This bill protects vulnerable patient populations who may have difficulty finding new providers or retrieving records, particularly those with chronic conditions requiring continuous care.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider burden: Physician practice owners may argue the notification and record-transfer requirements create administrative costs and liability, particularly for smaller practices with limited staff
  • Timeline feasibility: Defining adequate advance notice periods is challenging—too short may not give patients time to transition, too long could create operational uncertainty for sellers
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's applicability to different practice sizes, ownership structures (corporate vs. independent), and specialties may need clarification to avoid unintended consequences

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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