Bill
S 149
Establish statewide standards of care for diagnosing and treating IDD and autism, with a plan and advisory group to guide provider training and ED boarding support.
Status
- Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate on January 17, 2025. Referred to the Committee on Health. (Bill text filed as Senate Docket No. 1231.)
- Requires action by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and establishment of an advisory committee within statutory timelines (see Key deadlines).
Note on metadata: the supplied file header and sponsor lists contain inconsistent/contradictory information (e.g., an alternate title referencing 1,4‑dioxane and out-of-state sponsor names). This summary reflects the bill text submitted as S.149, which concerns standards of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including autism.
Purpose and intent
- To improve diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including autism spectrum disorders and individuals with intersecting marginalized identities, by creating statewide standards, provider training, and continuing education expectations.
Key provisions
- Statewide integrated plan: EOHHS must create and maintain an integrated state plan within 1 year of enactment to develop training, education, and standards of care for healthcare providers regarding diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with I/DD (including autism and those with intersecting marginalized identities).
- Advisory committee: EOHHS must establish an advisory committee within 6 months. Committee membership includes:
- A designee of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and a designee of the Commissioner of Public Health
- Two clinicians with expertise in I/DD care
- Two patient advocates or family members of people with I/DD
- Five statewide organizations (explicitly naming The Arc of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, Massachusetts Psychological Association)
- Plan elements and recommendations (from the advisory committee) to include:
1. Continuing education requirements for applicable healthcare providers on diagnosis, treatment, and care of I/DD patients, including education on the physical and psychological impacts of emergency department (ED) boarding and strategies to support patients and families when boarding is unavoidable.
2. A strategy to adopt standards that improve assessment and diagnosis of I/DD (including autism) during routine outpatient primary care visits.
3. Coordination with state licensure boards—where recommended—to adopt appropriate continuing education requirements related to I/DD as part of licensure renewal.
Who is affected
- Patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autistic people and those with intersecting marginalized identities, and their families/caregivers.
- Healthcare professionals who provide primary, behavioral health, emergency, or specialty care (explicitly named: physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, physician assistants, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses), and medical institutions that employ them.
- State licensure boards and professional organizations involved in continuing education policy.
- Hospitals and emergency departments (ED boarding guidance included).
Timing and procedural aspects
- Advisory committee to be established within 6 months of enactment.
- EOHHS must produce the integrated plan within 1 year of enactment.
- The bill calls for coordination with licensure boards but does not specify funding or enforcement mechanisms; implementation may require subsequent rulemaking, agency guidance, or appropriations.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Expected benefits: more consistent standards of care, improved early identification and management of I/DD and autism in primary care, increased provider competency, and better supports for patients/families during ED boarding.
- Implementation issues: additional administrative work for EOHHS and licensure boards; potential costs for training development/delivery; the bill does not appropriate funds or set penalties/compliance timelines beyond the planning deadlines.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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