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Pricing Transparency Provisions of An Act Promoting a Resilient Health Care System that Puts Patients First (“Patients First”)

Learn more about provisions in “Patients First” – a new law which requires your health care provider to give you more information about charges for hospital stays, medical procedures, health care services, or referrals.
3/11/2022
  • Department of Public Health
  • Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
  • Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
  • Division of Occupational Licensure
  • Board of Registration in Medicine

Overview

On January 1, 2021, Governor Baker signed An Act Promoting a Resilient Health Care System that Puts Patients First (“Patients First”) into law which makes significant changes to the state’s healthcare laws.

  • The law requires health care providers to tell patients how much patients will pay for planned hospital stays, medical procedures, health care services, and referrals – based on the patient’s specific health insurance plan.
  • These requirements begin on January 1, 2025.
  • These requirements also authorize the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to fine providers who fail to comply with a penalty up to $2,500 for each instance of non-compliance.

Additional Resources

Notice to providers on Patients First law (G.L. c. 111, s. 228) (DOC 68 KB)
Notice to patients on Patients First law (G.L. c. 111, s. 228) (DOC 66.5 KB)

  • Department of Public Health 

    DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong. We promote the health and well-being of all residents by ensuring access to high-quality public health and healthcare services, focusing on prevention and wellness, and health equity for all.

  • Bureau of Health Professions Licensure 

    BHPL oversees the licensing of health care professionals in the state of Massachusetts.

  • Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality 

    BHCSQ promotes, preserves, and protects the health of all people in the Commonwealth by ensuring an optimal health care delivery system that provides safe, effective, high-quality care.

  • Division of Occupational Licensure 

    The Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), through its boards and offices, licenses and regulates more than 580,000 individuals, businesses, and schools to engage in over 150 trades and professions in Massachusetts.

  • Board of Registration in Medicine 

    The Board of Registration in Medicine is responsible for licensing, regulation, and discipline of Massachusetts physicians and acupuncturists.

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