Department of Public Health

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) seeks to prevent illness, injury and premature death, assure access to high quality public health and healthcare services, and to promote wellness and health equity across the state. MHA engages with DPH on numerous issues ranging from responses to the opioid epidemic and tobacco cessation to healthcare facility licensure and workforce safety, advocating for the interests and concerns of our members.
09.10.2018  | Ergonomics Program Builds on Hospital Improvement Efforts
The Center for Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace has released an online program to help nurses prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
09.03.2018  | Are You Ready? September is Preparedness Month
In the event of a public health or medical emergency, a wide-scale threat or a disaster, will you be ready?
08.27.2018  | DPH on Hepatitis A and West Nile Virus
Massachusetts DPH last week issued advisories about Hepatitis A and West Nile virus.
08.20.2018  | Governor Baker Signs Opioid and Alzheimer's Legislation
Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker signed two pieces of legislation of interest to the hospital community.
07.23.2018  | Senate Passes Bill to Expand Tools for Addiction Treatment
In a 37-0 vote last Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate passed “An Act for Prevention and Access to Appropriate Care and Treatment of Addiction.”
06.25.2018  | The Latest Opioid Data from Massachusetts
DPH’s quarterly opioid report was released last Friday showing that for the first three months of 2018 there were approximately 474 confirmed or estimated deaths from opioids in Massachusetts.
04.09.2018  | Merger Takes Another Step to Fulfillment
The Massachusetts Public Health Council last week approved the proposed merger of he Beth Israel Deaconess system, Lahey Health, and other entities.
03.12.2018  | Merger Takes Big Step to Fulfillment
The deal involving Lahey Health, the Beth Israel Deaconess system, and other entities received a favorable report from DPH.
02.12.2018  | DMH Expedited Psych Inpatient Admissions Policy Goes Into Effect
A statewide initiative to address ED boarding of patients needing inpatient psychiatric care has gone into effect.
02.12.2018  | Mark Your Calendars: Lung Cancer Collaborative
The Massachusetts Lung Cancer Screening Learning Collaborative is holding a kickoff meeting on Wednesday, March 14.
01.29.2018  | Don’t Throw Away that IV Pouch Yet
After the state experienced a small dip in the flu during the first two weeks of January, last week flu cases spiked upward.
01.19.2018  | Flu Has Affected Hospital Volume, Supplies, Staffing
The harsh flu season has resulted in a spike in boarding at Massachusetts acute care hospital emergency departments.
01.15.2018  | SIFs May Work in Mass. But Federal Law is Impediment
There may be a big roadblock to creating supervised injection facilities (SIFs) in Massachusetts – the federal government.
01.15.2018  | Save the Date: Mass. Adult Immunization Conference
Massachusetts DPH and the Mass. Adult Immunization Coalition will hold the 23rd Annual Mass. Adult Immunization Conference on Tuesday, April 10.
01.08.2018  | BORN Adjusts Timeline for Mandated Training
BORN has sent notice informing nurses that an e-learning tool on domestic and sexual violence is not yet up and running.
01.08.2018  | HPC Refers Partners-Mass Eye and Ear Merger to AG
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) last week issued its final review of the proposed merger between Partners HealthCare and Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
12.19.2017  | HB1143 / SB1199 An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services
HB1143 / SB1199 An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services
12.19.2017  | SB1174 etal Omnibus Healthcare Facilities Testimony
SB1174, HB1181/SB1183, SB1269, HB1136, HB1137, HB1207, HB3250, SB1248, SB1270, HB1175, HB1197, SB1230, HB2441, HB2477, HB3514, SB1212, SB1234 Healthcare Facilities
12.19.2017  | HB1186 An Act to Promote Patient Care Transparency and Nurse Advancement
HB1186 An Act to Promote Patient Care Transparency and Nurse Advancement
12.18.2017  | Flu is “Widespread” in Massachusetts
DPH reported last week that influenza-like illness was “widespread” in Massachusetts.

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.
To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites:
MHA has also developed the following documents for your information and benefit:
  • Directory of Government Officials
  • 2016-2017/2017-2018 State Legislative Package