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H 2365

An Act relative to the civilian certification of military medical personnel

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Creates a supervised civilian practice pathway for qualified military medical personnel to perform defined medical acts under physician supervision in Massachusetts.

Accompanied a study order, see H5234
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Bill Summary · H 2365

Summary of H.2365: An Act relative to the civilian certification of military medical personnel

Purpose and objective

H.2365 seeks to create a formal program allowing certain military medical personnel to practice, under physician supervision, in civilian Massachusetts settings. The program would enable qualified veterans and transitioning service members to perform defined medical acts delegated by supervising physicians, with the goal of leveraging military medical training to meet civilian healthcare needs while maintaining patient safety and professional standards.

Key provisions

  • New statutory section added: Chapter 112 is amended by inserting Section 9L after Section 9K.
  • Definition of military medical personnel: Includes an Army medic, Air Force medical technician, Navy corpsman, or Coast Guard health services technician who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Eligibility for participation:
    • Active-duty transitioning service member,
    • Veteran (as defined in the statute) discharged no more than 1 year prior to applying,
    • Member of the National Guard or Reserve.
  • Program operation and supervision: Military medical personnel may practice and perform certain delegated medical acts under the order and supervision of a registered physician in Massachusetts. Acts must reflect the individual’s training and experience and stay within the supervising physician’s ability to provide adequate supervision. The supervising physician retains responsibility for patient care.
  • Participating facilities: Licensed physicians, professional corporations, or licensed hospitals/clinics may apply to be certified as participating facilities. The Department of Public Health (DPH), with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure (BHPL), may also approve other facilities or locations.
  • Program requirements and regulations: The Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), in cooperation with DPH and BHPL, shall establish program requirements for military personnel, supervising physicians, licensees, and employers. This includes the possibility of a special limited registration for participating military medics. BHPL shall promulgate regulations to implement the program.

Agencies and responsibilities

  • Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS): Collaborates on program requirements.
  • Department of Public Health (DPH): Oversees participating facilities and regulatory implementation.
  • Bureau of Health Professions Licensure (BHPL): Creates and enforces regulations for the program.

Affected parties

  • Eligible military medical personnel (active-duty, recent veterans, National Guard/Reserve members) seeking civilian practice opportunities.
  • Supervising physicians and other licensed healthcare providers in participating facilities.
  • Hospitals, clinics, professional physicians’ offices that participate or become certified facilities.
  • Regulatory and licensure bodies (DPH, BHPL) implementing the program.

Timelines and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 23, 2025 (information later updated to BOF changes)
  • Status update: Reporting date extended to Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  • Referred to: Public Health Committee (February 27, 2025)
  • Related action: Senate concurrence noted; similar matter previously filed (2023–2024 session)

Potential impact and considerations

  • Expands pathways for military medical personnel to contribute in civilian healthcare settings, potentially addressing workforce needs.
  • Relies on robust supervision and clearly defined delegated acts to safeguard patient safety.
  • Creates a new licensure pathway (special limited registration) and a framework for participating facilities and oversight.
  • Requires regulatory rulemaking by BHPL and coordinated program standards between DVS, DPH, and BHPL.

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

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