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HD 5747

An Act relative to security at Tewksbury Hospital

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry and 1 co-sponsor

Transfers security oversight for Tewksbury Hospital to the Secretary of Public Safety while keeping general hospital supervision with the Department of Public Health.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 5747

Summary: An Act relative to security at Tewksbury Hospital (HD 5747, 194th MA General Court)

This summary provides a clear overview of the bill’s purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill transfers authority over security for inpatient and outpatient services at Tewksbury Hospital to the Secretary of Public Safety, within the executive office of Public Safety and Security.
  • Its stated aim is to bolster safety and security for patients and the public at Tewksbury Hospital.

Key Provisions

1) Agency Designation for Security Oversight
- Adds a new option to the list of state agencies that can supervise and manage security at Tewksbury Hospital.
- Specifically allows the Secretary of Public Safety to designate and supervise security for both inpatient and outpatient services at Tewksbury Hospital.
- This is done by amending Section 18¾ of Chapter 6A to authorize the secretary of public safety (per section 18) to oversee security.

2) Security Responsibility Clarification (General Laws, Chapter 111)
- Amends Section 25C of Chapter 111 to explicitly state that security for inpatient and outpatient services located at Tewksbury Hospital (as established in Chapter 122) falls under the purview of the Secretary of Public Safety pursuant to Section 18¾ of Chapter 6A.
- This clarifies jurisdiction and ensures consistent authority across related statutes.

3) Revisions to the Tewksbury Hospital Governance and Security Structure (Chapter 122)
- Repeals the existing Section 1 of Chapter 122 and replaces it with a revised Section 1.
- Major elements of revised Section 1:
- The Department of Public Health (the “department”) retains general supervision of Tewksbury Hospital and can delegate powers and duties as appropriate to agents.
- The department may establish inpatient and outpatient services at Tewksbury Hospital (across a broad spectrum of health services, including medical, surgical, rehabilitative, mental health, intellectual disability, substance use treatment, nursing, and other services), subject to appropriation and to sections 25B–25G of Chapter 111, with approval from the hospital’s superintendent and trustees.
- Crucially, notwithstanding the above, the bill states that the Secretary of Public Safety shall supervise and manage security for inpatient and outpatient services at Tewksbury Hospital pursuant to Section 18¾ of Chapter 6A.

Affected Parties and Entities

  • Tewksbury Hospital: Primary site whose security oversight is being reorganized.
  • Secretary of Public Safety (within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security): Primary new security authority for Tewksbury Hospital services (inpatient and outpatient).
  • Department of Public Health: Maintains general supervision over hospital operations and oversight of service provision, but security administration would be handled by Public Safety.
  • Hospital Superintendent and Trustees: Required to approve the establishment of services and participate in governance under the revised framework.
  • General public and patients: Potentially affected by changes in security administration and procedures at the hospital.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Emergency Declaration: The act contains an emergency declaration, indicating it should take effect immediately to promote public safety.
  • Filing and Referral: Filed March 5, 2026; referred to the Committee on House Rules (Action History shows 2026-03-12 referral to House Rules).
  • Implementation: The bill contemplates a transition where security is governed by the Secretary of Public Safety while inpatient/outpatient service provision remains within the purview of the Department of Public Health, subject to appropriation and existing statutory constraints.

Practical Impact

  • Creates a centralized security framework for Tewksbury Hospital under the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety.
  • Aims to standardize security practices and potentially improve safety for patients, staff, and visitors.
  • Alters governance dynamics by separating security operations from clinical/service delivery oversight, while preserving overall supervision of hospital services by the Department of Public Health.

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

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