Massachusetts Regulatory Overhaul: Hospitals, Clinics, Dialysis Units, and Medical Marijuana – Oh My!

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has released proposed amended regulations for the licensure of hospitals, clinics, and out-of-hospital dialysis units, proposed the rescission of separate birth center regulations, and proposed amended regulations for medical marijuana. At a very busy September 14, 2016 Public Health Council Meeting, senior DPH staff presented the proposed regulations, highlighting key objectives and fielding questions and comments from Council members.  Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH, commended DPH staff for their hard work on the amendments.

In the proposed facility licensing regulations, key themes across all facility types included:

• Removing outdated regulations;
• Updating standards to give additional flexibility while protecting patient safety and tying regulatory standards to nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines;
• Aligning state and federal requirements; and
• Providing clearer timelines and guidance for initial license applications, change of ownership or location, and facility closure.

The proposed regulations and the presentations are available below, along with public hearing dates and comment deadlines.  As discussed in a recent post regarding proposed amendments to the Determination of Need Regulations, consistent with Governor Baker’s Executive Order 562, DPH is reviewing and, where possible, streamlining, simplifying and improving its regulations. These proposals are sure to generate much discussion and comment.  In the meanwhile, please stay tuned for more detailed posts on these amendments.

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