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SD 2046

An Act relative to patient identity and privacy protection in waiting rooms

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Extends patient confidentiality to waiting rooms and common areas; requires anonymity systems (numbering or pagers) and forbids naming patients in public spaces.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 2046

Summary: An Act relative to patient identity and privacy protection in waiting rooms (Senate Docket No. 2046)

Overview

  • Purpose: To strengthen patient privacy by extending confidentiality protections to a health facility’s common areas and waiting rooms, and by requiring facilities to implement systems that protect patient anonymity in those spaces.
  • Status: House concurred (as of February 27, 2025). The bill originated in the Senate (Senate Docket No. 2046) and references prior related filing in 2023-2024.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsor: Senator Paul R. Feeney
  • Legislative context: Similar matter previously filed as Senate Bill No. 1368 (2023-2024). Filed as a public health measure.

Key Provisions

1) Expansion of confidentiality to waiting areas
- Amends Section 70E of Chapter 111 of the General Laws.
- Adds language stating that confidentiality shall extend to a facility’s common areas and waiting rooms.

2) Requirement to develop and implement privacy systems
- Providers must develop and implement a system to protect the confidentiality of all patients and residents throughout the facility, including common areas and waiting rooms.

3) Prohibition on public naming in waiting areas
- Providers shall not announce or disclose a patient’s first name or last name in common areas and waiting rooms.

4) Anonymous identification tools
- Requires implementing an anonymity program, such as:
- Patient numbering system, or
- Use of electronic pagers.

Who is Affected

  • Health care facilities governed by Chapter 111 (e.g., hospitals, clinics, and potentially other licensed facilities) and their staff.
  • Patients and residents, and any visitors in waiting or common areas.
  • Administrative and clinical personnel responsible for patient flow and privacy policies.

Implementation and Timeline

  • The bill text provided does not specify a particular effective date. It requires facilities to develop and implement systems, but the exact timeline (e.g., phase-in periods or rulemaking) is not stated in the excerpt.
  • Enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and supporting guidance are not detailed in the version shown.
  • House concurrence indicates alignment between Senate and House positions on this measure, moving it within the legislative process.

Legislative Actions

  • Filed: 1/17/2025 (Senate No. 2046)
  • Referred to: Public Health (2025-02-27)
  • House concurrence: 2025-02-27
  • Sponsorship: Paul R. Feeney (Bristol and Norfolk)
  • Related history: Similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 1368 in the 2023-2024 session.

Potential Impact

  • Enhanced patient privacy in waiting rooms and common areas, reducing the risk of accidental disclosure of patient identities.
  • Administrative changes for facilities, including adoption of anonymous triage/payment processes and infrastructure (e.g., numbering systems or pagers).
  • Possible initial costs for implementation, staff training, and systems deployment, balanced by improved privacy protections and patient trust.
  • Clarifying questions remain, such as exact definitions of “common areas” and “waiting rooms,” applicability during emergencies, and alignment with existing patient flow procedures.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to current MA privacy provisions or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers.

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

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