Massachusetts Medical Society

Home > MMS Advocacy > MMS Testimony

Legislative Action Center

Key Issues

Regulatory Issues

MMS Testimony

State Advocacy

Federal Advocacy

MMS Testimony

MMS Testimony Concerning H 3885 “An Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana"
(April 10, 2012)
"The Massachusetts Medical Society affirms its opposition to smoking marijuana for recreational purposes. The Massachusetts Medical Society recognizes the importance of clinical trials on the medical use of marijuana and its derivatives. All such trials should be approved by an Institutional Review Board process."

MMS Testimony In Opposition To H.3884, "An Act Relative To Death With Dignity"
(March 06, 2012)
At the Medical Society’s most recent House of Delegates meeting, which is the Society’s policy making body, there was overwhelming support to reaffirm the Medical Society’s long standing policy of opposition to physician-assisted suicide.

MMS Testimony In Support Of "An Act Relative To Improving Patients’ Access To Timely Compensation" (H.418, H.421, S.766, S.808) And Other Medical Liability Legislation
(February 28, 2012)
The good news is we can fix the system through a DA& O model – disclosure, apology and offer. H.418, H.421, S.766, S.808, "An Act Relative to Improving Patients’ Access to Timely Compensation" would make statements by health care providers of regret, apology, or concern regarding an unanticipated outcome inadmissible as evidence in any subsequent legal proceeding. It would also require plaintiffs to provide approximately six months notice before filing a claim for medical malpractice.

MMS Testimony In Opposition to the adoption of Emergency Amendments to 105 CMR 100.000 Determination of Need
(February 14, 2012)
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) wishes to be recorded in opposition to the adoption of emergency regulations concerning the Determination of Need (DON) process as applied to ambulatory surgery centers (ASC’s).

MMS Testimony in Opposition to H.3904, "An Act Relative To Promoting Equity and Efficiency in Health Care Rates"
(February 08, 2012)
The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in strong opposition to H.3904, "An Act Relative To Promoting Equity and Efficiency in Health Care Rates." This bill would put into statute strict parameters for contracts between health plans and health care providers. However the narrow definition of provider would limit the provisions to physicians and hospitals only.

MMS Testimony In Support of Senate Bill 539 "An Act to Promote the Nursing Profession and Promote Safe Patient Care"
(January 25, 2012)
The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in support of Senate Bill 539, "An Act to Promote the Nursing Profession and Promote Safe Patient Care," which would take an appropriate approach to dealing with the issue of nurse staffing.

MMS Testimony In Support of H 1176 An Act Relative to Mental Health Benefits
(January 10, 2012)
The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in strong support of H 1176. The language of this bill, if enacted, will move us much closer to parity in the provision of psychiatric services in the Commonwealth.

MMS Testimony In Opposition to House 2642, Senate 1726 and Senate 1749 and Any Legislation that Would Weaken the "Motorcycle Helmet Law"
(November 30, 2011)
The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in strong opposition to legislation that would weaken the Massachusetts "Motorcycle Helmet Law" (M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 7), including House Bill 2642, Senate Bill 1726 and Senate Bill 1749, all pending before the Committee today.

MMS Testimony in Support of House Bill 348 "An Act Establishing a Massachusetts Childhood Vaccine Program"
(November 09, 2011)
The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in support of House 348, "An Act Establishing a Massachusetts Childhood Vaccine Program," legislation that will allow for the cost-effective delivery of immunization services to Massachusetts children.

MMS Testimony in Opposition to Senate 441 "An Act Relative to an Affordable Health Plan"
(October 25, 2011)
The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in strong opposition to Senate 441, “An Act Relative to an Affordable Health Plan.” The MMS recognizes that rising health care premiums take an especially large toll on many small businesses in Massachusetts, many physicians are small business owners themselves.