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S 2928

An Act to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts will pilot screening for celiac disease in 12-year-olds during lipid tests for 3 years to assess feasibility, outcomes, and potential expansion.

Accompanied a study order, see S3124
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Bill Summary · S 2928

Summary of Bill S. 2928 (Session 194th) — An Act to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program

Date: Updated context through the 2026 legislative actions

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a 3-year pilot program in Massachusetts to evaluate incorporating celiac disease screening into routine screenings for cholesterol and lipids in 12-year-old children.
  • Aim to improve early detection of celiac disease, reduce long-term health consequences, and support families navigating a diagnosis.
  • The act treats the pilot as an emergency measure to ensure immediate implementation and public convenience.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions

    • Clarifies terms: “celiac disease,” “Commissioner” (Public Health), “Department” (Department of Public Health), and “Health care provider” (broadly defined to include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical trainees, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, public hospitals, and certain integrated health networks).

  • Pilot program scope and duration

    • Establishes a 3-year pilot program within the Department of Public Health.
    • The pilot evaluates the feasibility of screening for celiac disease when 12-year-olds undergo cholesterol and lipid screening.

  • Participation and data collection

    • Health care providers in Massachusetts may participate at no additional cost.
    • Participating providers must collect data related to celiac disease screenings as determined by the Department for annual reporting.
    • The Department will assess feasibility, accuracy, and health outcomes of screening in 12-year-olds.

  • Supports and resources

    • The Department must provide educational materials and resources to families of children diagnosed with celiac disease.
    • The Department will engage with health care providers, health insurers, and patient advocacy groups to address the needs of affected children.

  • Funding and budgeting

    • Subject to appropriation, the Department may allocate funding to support implementation and evaluation of the program.

  • Oversight, reporting, and potential expansion

    • The Commissioner must prepare an annual report by December 31 of each program year that includes:
    • Evaluation of screening effectiveness for 12-year-olds.
    • Analysis of cost savings and financial sustainability of screening.
    • Data collected from participating providers.
    • Recommendations for potential expansion of screening in the Commonwealth.
    • Annual reports are to be submitted to relevant legislative chairs and clerks.

Who is affected

  • Children: Specifically targets 12-year-old children as the screening cohort.
  • Health care providers: Encouraged to participate in the pilot at no extra cost and to collect specified screening data.
  • Families: Will have access to educational materials and resources if a celiac diagnosis is made.
  • Health insurers, patient advocacy groups, and healthcare systems: Involved through stakeholder engagement to address needs and potential expansion.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Emergency enactment language indicates immediate effectiveness to establish the pilot.
  • Duration: 3-year pilot period.
  • Annual reporting: By December 31 of each program year, with data and evaluation for potential expansion.
  • Legislative path: Referred to Public Health, with subsequent reporting and potential consideration by Health Care Financing committees and House/Senate clerks.

Potential impact (high-level)

  • Early detection of celiac disease in children through integration with existing lipid screening processes.
  • Data-driven assessment of screening feasibility, accuracy, and cost implications.
  • Informed decisions on whether to broaden celiac disease screening beyond the pilot.
  • Enhanced support for families affected by celiac disease through education and resources.

Note: All provisions are contingent on appropriation for funding and ongoing evaluation by the Department of Public Health.

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

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