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HD 2424

An Act relative to addressing delayed patient discharges

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kip Diggs

The bill requires insurers and hospitals to coordinate discharge planning with real-time data access to reduce delayed discharges and imposes penalties for non-compliance.

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Bill Summary · HD 2424

HD 2424 — An Act relative to addressing delayed patient discharges

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill seeks to reduce delays in patient discharges by imposing new obligations on health insurance companies and hospitals to coordinate discharge planning, share real-time information, and monitor compliance. It defines “delayed patient discharge” and establishes requirements, penalties, and annual reporting to improve discharge efficiency and patient transitions to post-hospital care.

Main purpose and intent

  • Address delays in discharging patients from hospitals caused by insurance authorization issues, disputes over coverage, or lack of in-network post-acute care options.
  • Create standardized discharge planning and coordination to ensure timely transitions to nursing facilities, skilled nursing facilities, or rehabilitation centers.
  • Improve transparency and accountability through real-time information access and public reporting.

Key provisions

  • Insertion of new Section 51D½ to Chapter 111 (definitions and requirements):

    • Definition: “Delayed patient discharge” means remaining in a hospital bed after medical treatment due to unresolved health insurance authorization, coverage disputes, or unavailability of in-network post-acute care providers.
    • Definition: “Health insurance company” = any company operating in Massachusetts that engages in health insurance business (as defined in ch. 175, s. 1).

  • Obligations of health insurance companies (b):

    • Employ or contract dedicated care coordinators to facilitate discharge and transition planning for patients needing post-hospital care.
    • Care coordinators must be available outside standard business hours (evenings/weekends) to address authorization needs and ensure timely discharges.
    • Provide hospitals with real-time access to secure electronic platforms containing relevant patient health insurance information for discharge planning.
    • Issue timely updates to patients and hospitals on discharge authorization status and arrangements.

  • Hospital obligations (c):

    • Hospitals must ensure timely discharge processes by collaborating with licensed health insurance companies and using the secure electronic platforms.

  • Enforcement and penalties (d):

    • Health insurance companies failing to comply may face penalties, including:
    • Fines up to $10,000 per documented instance of non-compliance.
    • Public reporting of non-compliant entities in an annual department report.

  • Regulation and audits (e):

    • The Department of Public Health (and related agencies) shall promulgate rules and may audit hospitals and health insurance companies for compliance.

  • Annual reporting (f):

    • The department, with the executive office of health and human services, must prepare an annual report detailing:
    • Number of documented delayed discharges.
    • Compliance rates among insurers and hospitals.
    • Recommendations to improve discharge coordination and reduce delays.
    • Report due no later than December 31 each year to the chairs of the joint committee on public health and the clerks of the House and Senate.

Who is affected

  • Health insurance companies operating in Massachusetts.
  • Hospitals and health systems that provide inpatient care and discharge planning.
  • Patients requiring post-hospital care in nursing homes, SNFs, or rehabilitation centers.
  • Post-acute care providers and facilities (in-network) involved in discharge transitions.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • Effective date: January 1, 2026.
  • Annual reporting cycle: December 31 each year.
  • Regulatory framework: Department of Public Health to promulgate rules and conduct audits as needed.
  • Status: Proposed bill. Introduced as House Bill No. 3986 (HD 2424) in the 2025-2026 General Court session; filed January 16, 2025. The user notes an introduction date of November 29, 2025 for HD 2424, but the embedded text references a 2025 filing and a 2026 effective date.

Potential impacts

  • Pros:

    • Clear requirements for insurers and hospitals to coordinate care and reduce avoidable discharge delays.
    • Real-time information sharing could speed authorization processes and post-acute placement.
    • Public reporting may incentivize better performance and accountability.

  • Cons/Considerations:

    • Administrative and operational costs for insurers to hire care coordinators and maintain secure IT platforms.
    • Need for robust data sharing safeguards and IT interoperability.
    • Potential variability in enforcement and penalties depending on regulatory rules.

This summary captures the bill’s core aims, substantive provisions, affected parties, and implementation framework.

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

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