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H 2382

An Act relative to office-based surgical centers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishes state licensing and safety standards for independent surgical centers to ensure consistent patient safety oversight outside hospital settings.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 2382

Legislative bill overview

H.2382 establishes regulatory standards and licensing requirements for office-based surgical centers in Massachusetts—medical facilities where surgeries and invasive procedures are performed outside of traditional hospital settings. The bill aims to create oversight mechanisms for these independent surgical centers to ensure patient safety, quality standards, and proper operational protocols.

Why is this important

Office-based surgical centers have expanded significantly as an alternative to hospital surgeries, often offering cost savings and convenience, but they currently operate with varying levels of regulation depending on the procedures performed. Without comprehensive state oversight, there are concerns about inconsistent safety standards, infection control protocols, staff qualifications, and emergency preparedness across these facilities. This bill addresses a regulatory gap that could affect thousands of patients undergoing procedures in these settings annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. market efficiency: Stricter licensing and compliance requirements may increase operational costs for surgical centers, potentially raising procedure costs for patients or limiting facility expansion
  • Scope of procedures: Disagreement over which surgical procedures should be permitted in office-based settings versus hospitals, balancing accessibility against risk management
  • Existing facility compliance: Questions about grandfather clauses and transition timelines for currently operating centers that may not meet new standards, and whether compliance costs could force some facilities to close

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

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