BY TOM FLANAGAN, MMS MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
The policymaking session of the Massachusetts Medical Society’s House of Delegates at the 2024 Interim Meeting in December produced several new MMS policies that focus on reproductive care, physician burden, and medical supply chain. Proposals accepted
by the House of Delegates became organizational policy that will guide the advocacy efforts of the Medical Society.
Following Are New Policies and Related Actions to
Be Taken:
- Protecting patients from misleading and harmful practices in reproductive health care.
The MMS supports transparency and full disclosure regarding the scope of services offered at all reproductive health care facilities and crisis pregnancy centers. The MMS opposes deceptive practices, including the deliberate use of misleading information, emotional manipulation, and delay tactics that divert patients from accessing comprehensive reproductive health services from licensed medical professionals.
- Ensuring adequate medical leave for all birthing people.
The MMS supports a minimum of 12 weeks of medical leave after childbirth, regardless of mode of delivery or other factors, given its demonstrated benefits for bonding, postpartum mental health, and breastfeeding success, consistent with international standards.
- Fertility services for MassHealth enrollees.
The MMS supports expanding MassHealth coverage to include infertility diagnostics and treatments to address disparities and access to care.
- Reducing burden on physicians treating patients already on methadone therapy.
The MMS partners with relevant stakeholders to advocate for
legislative and regulatory changes that reduce barriers for patients, physicians, and other providers caring for patients currently receiving methadone treatment by making dosing information more easily and immediately available.
- Building resilience of the health care medical supply chain.
The MMS supports state policy aimed at building the resilience of the medical supply chain. The MMS will collaborate with the American Medical Association and other stakeholders to support federal efforts aimed at building the resilience of the medical supply chain.
Read the Final House Votes.
