Massachusetts enacted a new law this month aimed at healthcare businesses, which includes stricter reporting standards and licensing requirements for urgent care centers. According to National Law Review, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been granted the authority to develop and enforce the specific licensing criteria for urgent care, which is expected by October 1. Licensed hospitals, hospital affiliates, community health centers, and limited service clinics are exempt from the new licensing requirement, making it apparent that the regulation targets urgent care centers that operate as standalone providers. Licensing advocates called for the law as a means to increase oversight of urgent care and the state’s access to health data, according to the Worchester Business Journal. Additionally, as part of the law, the Massachusetts Attorney General, Health Policy Commission, and Center for Health Information and Analysis will gain expanded authority to review mergers, acquisitions, and other healthcare market activities. New reporting requirements will mandate detailed disclosures on private equity investor ownership, management services organization relationships, and real estate leaseback arrangements.
Expanded scope: “Massachusetts has had a licensing procedure for urgent care since 2020, but thus far the licensure has been more of a formality. This new law further defines ‘urgent care’ and gives the state far more control over development, ownership, and operations,” says Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc, President of Urgent Care Consultants and Senior Editor of JUCM. Ayers also notes that the enforcement entities’ policies, rules, and frameworks all could be subject to legal challenges before they’re ultimately enforced.
Read More
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