By Mr. Casey of Winchester, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2066) of Paul C. Casey and Richard T. Moore for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General) relative to the determination of capital needs for community hospitals.  Public Health.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Paul C. Casey

Richard T. Moore

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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resolve establishing a special commission to determine the capital needs of community hospitals.

      Notwithstanding any general law, special act or regulation to the contrary, a special commission shall be established to identify the capital needs of the community hospital sector with regard to use of technology and adequacy of facilities, the ability of the sector to meet the health care needs of the general population in the next decade, and potential sources of capital to meet those needs. Said Commission shall also evaluate the role of public programs, payments and regulations in supporting capital accumulation and make recommendations to advance the ability of the community hospital sector to meet the expected demand. Said Commission shall be comprised of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, the Secretary of Administration and Finance, the Commissioner of the Department of Medical Assistance, a representative of the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals, a representative of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, a representative of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, a representative of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, the chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the chief executive officer of Mass Development, the House and Senate Chairs of Ways and Means, the House and Senate Chairs of Health Care Financing, and a member of the minority party in both the House and Senate, appointed by the House and Senate Minority Leaders, a chief elected local official with a community hospital located in said community to be appointed by the Governor, an individual knowledgeable about demographic trends and hospital utilization to be appointed by the Governor and an individual knowledgeable about hospital finance and construction to be appointed by the Governor.

Said Commission shall hold hearings and issue a report to the General Court no later than December 15, 2007.