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HD 2485

An Act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mindy Domb and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill prohibits healthcare discrimination against disabled individuals and establishes protections for equal medical access and treatment decisions.

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Bill Summary · HD 2485

Legislative bill overview

HD 2485 aims to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in healthcare settings, establishing protections and potentially enforcement mechanisms for equal access to medical services. The bill addresses systemic barriers that disabled individuals face when seeking healthcare, from diagnosis to treatment decisions.

Why is this important

People with disabilities report experiencing discrimination in healthcare, including providers refusing treatment, making assumptions about quality of life, or denying care based on disability status. This legislation would create legal recourse and establish clear standards that healthcare providers must follow, potentially improving health outcomes and access for millions of Massachusetts residents with disabilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Disagreement over what constitutes illegal discrimination versus clinical judgment (e.g., when disability affects treatment viability versus when it's used as a blanket exclusion)
  • Healthcare provider burden: Concerns about compliance costs, liability exposure, and whether requirements like accessibility modifications impose unreasonable operational demands on smaller practices
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Debate over whether the bill creates adequate enforcement teeth and whether it relies on complaint-based systems or proactive oversight, and what penalties apply to violations

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

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