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HD 3239

An Act to improve access and care coordination for people with pain

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker

Massachusetts bill establishing coordinated, interdisciplinary pain management standards to improve access while reducing inappropriate opioid use and fragmented care delivery.

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Bill Summary · HD 3239

Legislative bill overview

HD 3239 establishes a comprehensive pain management framework in Massachusetts to improve access to care and coordinate services for people experiencing chronic pain. The bill creates pain management standards, promotes interdisciplinary care approaches, and aims to reduce barriers to evidence-based pain treatment while addressing the opioid crisis through safer prescribing practices.

Why is this important

Chronic pain affects millions of Massachusetts residents and often leads to fragmented care, inappropriate opioid use, and poor health outcomes. Better care coordination can reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, improve quality of life, and decrease reliance on opioids by integrating physical therapy, mental health services, and other non-pharmacological treatments.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage and costs: Expanded pain management services may increase healthcare spending; debate over which treatments insurers must cover and at what reimbursement rates
  • Scope of practice conflicts: Potential disagreements between physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and other providers over who can prescribe treatments and lead care coordination
  • Opioid prescribing restrictions: Providers concerned about limitations on pain medication access for legitimate patients versus public health advocates seeking stricter controls to prevent addiction

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

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