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H 1362

An Act relative to defining invasive surgical procedures

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carole Fiola

Bill H 1362 defines "invasive surgical procedures" in Massachusetts, enhancing clarity for healthcare providers and improving patient understanding of treatments.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 1362

Summary of Bill H 1362: An Act Relative to Defining Invasive Surgical Procedures

Bill Number: H 1362
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Current Status: Read second and ordered to a third reading
Presented By: Representative Carole A. Fiola, 6th Bristol District
Related Bill: HD 3085 (replaces)

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1362 aims to provide a clear and comprehensive definition of "invasive surgical procedures" within the context of Massachusetts General Laws. The intent is to ensure that the legal framework surrounding surgical practices is precise, thereby enhancing the regulation and understanding of such procedures in the healthcare system.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Chapter 112, Sections 66 to 73 of the General Laws:

  1. Definition of Invasive Surgical Procedures:

    • The bill defines invasive surgical procedures as any surgical actions that structurally alter the human body through:
      • Incision, destruction, or cutting of tissues.
      • Diagnostic or therapeutic treatments that involve localized alteration or transposition of live human tissue.
      • The use of surgically implanted artificial prosthetics.
    • Specific instruments mentioned include lasers, ultrasound, ionizing radiation, scalpels, probes, and needles.
    • Procedures can involve various methods such as cutting, injecting, burning, vaporizing, freezing, suturing, probing, or mechanical manipulation.

  2. Exclusions:

    • The use of an epinephrine auto-injector for treating anaphylaxis is explicitly excluded from the definition of invasive surgical procedures.

  3. Scope of Practice:

    • The bill clarifies that it does not restrict, limit, or expand the current scope of practice for any profession licensed under Chapter 112 as of the bill's passage.

Impact

  • Healthcare Professionals: The bill will directly affect healthcare providers by providing a standardized definition of invasive procedures, which may influence training, practice standards, and regulatory compliance.
  • Patients: Patients may benefit from clearer guidelines regarding what constitutes invasive procedures, potentially leading to better-informed consent processes and understanding of their medical treatments.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill referred to the committee on Health Care Financing.
  • April 3, 2025: Discharged to the committee on Public Health.
  • April 7, 2025: Senate concurred with the bill.
  • June 30, 2025: A hearing was scheduled for July 10, 2025.
  • October 9, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
  • November 17, 2025: Placed in the Orders of the Day for a second reading.
  • November 18, 2025: Read second and ordered to a third reading.

This bill represents a significant step in clarifying the legal definitions surrounding surgical procedures, which could have lasting implications for healthcare regulation and practice in Massachusetts.

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

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