By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require the Health Policy Commission to report on the adverse effects suffered after the closure of any essential services at a hospital. The amendment also would require an examination of the efficacy of existing standards and requirements intended to maintain such essential services.

“Unfortunately, my community and many others have had to face the realities of essential services being cut despite the Department of Public Health’s best efforts,” said the amendment’s sponsor Sen. Susan Moran (D-Falmouth). “This amendment will not only allow us to quantify the effect essential care closures have on the quality and availability of care to our constituents but will also help determine how we can support Department of Public Health enforcement when these issues arise.”