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H 2487

An Act relative to dental service quotes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marc Lombardo

Requires dental providers to give upfront price quotes before services; if missing, the Board investigates medical necessity and may notify the Attorney General.

Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:35 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 2487

Summary: H 2487 — An Act relative to dental service quotes

Overview

H 2487, introduced February 27, 2025, proposes to amend Chapter 111 of the General Laws by adding a new Section 228½. The core goal is to improve price transparency for dental services and give the Board of Registration in Dentistry a mechanism to enforce pricing disclosures and assess medical necessity when quotes are not provided.

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure patients or prospective patients receive a cost quote for any dental services before services are performed.
  • Provide a clear process to evaluate and address situations where a quote was not provided, including potential regulatory oversight and action when services may not be medically necessary.

Key provisions

  • Section 228½ (a) Definitions:

    • “Board” = Board of Registration in Dentistry (as established in Ch. 13, §19).
    • “Dental services” = diagnostic, preventive, or corrective treatment of teeth and related structures, including oral surgery, orthodontia, and prostheses.
    • “Dental services provider” = any provider of dental services (e.g., a dentist registered with the Board, a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon certified by a relevant board).

  • Section 228½ (b) Quote requirement:

    • A dental services provider must provide a quote of the costs associated with any dental services prior to performing the services.
    • If a patient schedules a continued course of treatment (a series of procedures), the patient may waive the requirement to receive a quote for that course.

  • Section 228½ (c) Complaints and enforcement:

    • If a provider completes dental services without giving a required quote, the patient may file a complaint with the Board.
    • The Board must investigate whether the completed services were medically necessary.
    • If the Board has reasonable cause to believe the services were not medically necessary, it shall file a written report with the Attorney General (AG), who must notify the Board within three months of action taken regarding the Violation.

Compliance and enforcement

  • Filing and investigation: Complaints can trigger an investigation by the Board to assess medical necessity.
  • AG involvement: If non-necessity is found, the AG provides a written action update to the Board within 3 months.
  • Scope of accountability: Applies to dental services providers as defined (dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and certain specialists).

Affected entities

  • Dental services providers (dentists, hygienists, assistants, oral/maxillofacial surgeons) operating in Massachusetts.
  • Patients seeking dental services who would benefit from cost quotes.
  • The Board of Registration in Dentistry and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office as primary enforcers.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Related precedent: Similar matter previously filed as House 2232 (2023-2024).
  • Actions:
    • 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Public Health.
    • 2025-02-27: Senate concurred.
    • 2025-08-29: Hearing scheduled for 09/10/2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) in B-2.
    • 2025-09-10: Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 (10:00 AM–01:35 PM) in B-2; virtual hearing time updated.

Potential impact

  • Positive: Increases price transparency for dental services, enabling patients to compare costs and plan finances.
  • Regulatory: Establishes a formal complaint and investigative pathway if quotes are not provided, with potential AG involvement for medically unnecessary services.
  • Operational: May require dental providers to implement or adjust quoting processes and documentation to comply with the new requirement.

Related materials

  • Related bill: HD 3362 (replaces) and prior similar matter H 2232 (2023-2024).
  • Current status indicates active consideration with a public hearing scheduled for September 2025.

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

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