Hi Will, There is an article in today’s NY Times about people going to emergency rooms for treatment and then facing large bills because the treating physician was not a network member even though the hospital was listed in the provider network. Eastern Massachusetts scored dismally on this survey with over 40% of all patients …
Health
costs, coverage, gmos, mental health and substance abuse treatment, policy, public health
The Future of Bridgewater State Hospital
On Tuesday afternoon, the Baker administration unveiled its comprehensive plan to transform Bridgewater State Hospital from a correctional facility to a more clinically focused health treatment center. According to Secretary of Public Safety and Security Dan Bennett, 190 correctional officers will be removed from Bridgewater’s interior and stationed in alternative locations, including the facility’s exterior. …
Senate Passes Tobacco Control Legislation
The Senate recently passed legislation raising the age for legal purchase of tobacco from 18 to 21. I was pleased to support the bill — I do believe it will save lives.
Proposed Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Allston
A medical marijuana dispensary has been proposed on Harvard Avenue in Allston and is moving through the state approval process. The company has secured signatures on a petition indicating non-opposition from nearby businesses and a letter of support from the Allston Civic Association. In November 2012, 65% of voters approved a ballot question to legalize medical marijuana.
Patient Experience Survey Results Released
On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) announces the results of the only independent statewide patient experience survey at www.healthcarecompassma.org. The survey encompassed nearly 65,000 patients from more than 500 primary care practices representing approximately 4,000 physicians across the state, who responded to the question of whether they would recommend their primary …
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The conversation about GMOs
Most of my colleagues in the legislature have endorsed a pending bill that would require labeling of foods produced from genetically modified farm crops. I’ve been a skeptic of the bill. The threshold question we have to ask is: can we successfully force a new Massachusetts food labeling system on the rest of the country?