Lawmakers to Hold June 25 Hearing on Bill to Study Access to Essential Healthcare Services Across Massachusetts as Hospital Closures Devastate Patients and Communities – Longview News-Journal

Report on Massachusetts Healthcare Access Legislation and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On June 25, 2025, the Joint Committee on Public Health of Massachusetts held a virtual hearing to discuss An Act Assessing Healthcare Access (SD1058/HD2593). This legislation aims to conduct a comprehensive statewide study of healthcare infrastructure, access gaps, and future needs in Massachusetts, particularly in light of numerous hospital closures and service reductions over the past three decades.

Legislative Hearing Details

• What: Hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Health
• When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: Virtual hearing accessible via livestream at https://malegislature.gov/
• Legislation: An Act Assessing Healthcare Access (SD1058/HD2593)
• Sponsors: Senator Jacob Oliveira and Representative Ted Philips
• Testifying: Amy Gagnon, RN at Leominster Hospital; Alan P. Sager, PhD, Professor at Boston University School of Public Health

Objectives of the Legislation

1. Task the Department of Public Health (DPH) with analyzing current healthcare capacity and projecting future needs.
2. Assess the cumulative impact of over 40 hospital and unit closures since 2009 and earlier closures dating back to the 1990s.
3. Evaluate the effects of staffing shortages and reductions in essential services such as maternity care and behavioral health treatment.

Context and Importance

Massachusetts has experienced a surge in hospital closures driven by financial challenges, including the recent shutdowns of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Despite DPH rulings that these closures harm public health, hospitals have proceeded with minimal state resistance.

Katie Murphy, President of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) and practicing ICU nurse, emphasized the need for transparency and patient-centered healthcare planning. She stated, “We must ensure mothers and babies, people suffering from mental health or substance use issues, and all our most vulnerable residents can access the care they need.”

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDGs Addressed by the Legislation

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages by improving access to essential healthcare services.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing disparities in healthcare access caused by hospital closures and service reductions.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Enhancing transparency and accountability in healthcare decision-making processes.

Contribution to SDG 3

The bill’s focus on assessing healthcare infrastructure and access gaps directly supports SDG 3 by aiming to improve the availability and quality of essential health services, including maternity care and behavioral health treatment.

Addressing SDG 10

By evaluating the impact of hospital closures on communities, the legislation seeks to reduce inequalities in healthcare access, ensuring vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected.

Supporting SDG 16

The proposed transparency and enforcement measures empower communities and public health authorities, fostering stronger institutions and more equitable healthcare governance.

Related Massachusetts Nurses Association Legislation

An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services (S. 1503)

• Extends the official notice period to the Department of Public Health before hospital closures or discontinuation of services.
• Requires hospitals to notify and allow comment from affected municipalities prior to notification periods.
• Authorizes the Attorney General to seek injunctions to maintain essential services during the notice period.
• Prohibits hospitals from applying for licensure or expansion for three years following discontinuation of essential services unless restored or modified plans are approved.
• Prohibits closure of essential health services during public health emergencies.

An Act Preserving Access to Hospital Services (S. 1574)

• Establishes a process for state receivership of hospitals or clinics pending closure to prevent loss of critical services.
• Addresses the absence of mechanisms to keep hospitals open when deemed necessary by the Department of Public Health.

Conclusion

The proposed legislation and related bills represent significant steps toward strengthening healthcare access and infrastructure in Massachusetts. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, SDG 10, and SDG 16, these measures aim to promote equitable, transparent, and patient-centered healthcare systems that serve the needs of all communities.

About the Massachusetts Nurses Association

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth, representing 26,000 members. The MNA advocates for high standards of nursing practice, the welfare of nurses, and public health policies that benefit patients and communities.

Additional Resources

• An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services (S. 1503)
• An Act Preserving Access to Hospital Services (S. 1574)
• Original Press Release
• MassNurses.org
• Facebook.com/MassNurses
• Twitter.com/MassNurses
• Instagram.com/MassNurses

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on healthcare access, hospital closures, and essential health services, directly relating to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The discussion about healthcare access gaps and vulnerable populations (mothers, babies, people with mental health or substance use issues) relates to reducing inequalities in access to essential services.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The legislation aims to improve transparency, public participation, and enforcement regarding hospital closures, linking to building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services.
   • Target 3.c: Substantially increase health financing and recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce.
2. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or other status.
3. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Healthcare Access and Capacity Indicators
   • Number of hospital and unit closures over time (since 1990s and 2009).
   • Availability and accessibility of essential health services such as maternity care and behavioral health treatment.
   • Healthcare staffing levels and shortages.
2. Legislative and Institutional Indicators
   • Number of hospital closures prevented or delayed through enforcement mechanisms.
   • Transparency measures such as notice periods and public comment opportunities before hospital closures.
   • Implementation of state receivership processes for hospitals pending closure.
3. Equity and Inclusion Indicators
   • Access to healthcare services by vulnerable populations (mothers, babies, mental health and substance use patients).
   • Reduction in geographic disparities in healthcare service availability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.8: Universal health coverage and access to quality essential healthcare services 3.c: Increase health workforce capacity	Number of hospital/unit closures since 1990s and 2009 Availability of maternity and behavioral health services Healthcare staffing levels and shortages
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: Promote inclusion and reduce inequalities in access	Access to healthcare by vulnerable groups (mothers, babies, mental health/substance use patients) Geographic distribution of healthcare services
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.6: Develop accountable and transparent institutions 16.7: Ensure inclusive and participatory decision-making	Enforcement of hospital closure laws and injunctions Public notification and comment processes before closures Establishment of state receivership processes for hospitals

Source: news-journal.com