MMS Testimony

MMS officers frequently offer testimony and/or legal perspectives to state and federal officials on issues relevant to Massachusetts physicians and their patients.

• 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...

• MMS Testimony In Opposition To H.3884, 'An Act Relative To Death With Dignity March 6, 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 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 8, 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...

• 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 9, 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...

• MMS Testimony In Opposition to H.2078 'An Act Relative to Affordable Health Insurance October 25, 2011

  The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in opposition to House Bill 2078, "An Act Relative to Affordable Health Insurance.

• MMS Testimony in Support of H.279, 'An Act Relative to the Formation of Accountable Care Organizations October 25, 2011

  Both nationally and statewide Accountable Care Organizations (ACO’s) are being put forth as one way to reduce healthcare costs and improve delivery. For physicians, ACO’s present both challenges and opportunity, but what we do know is that currently, there are obstacles to physician’s ability to...

• MMS Testimony in Opposition to Senate 419 and Senate 466, 'An Act To Promote Health Care Cost Containment Through Select And Tiered Network Plans October 25, 2011

  The Massachusetts Medical Society strongly opposes this legislation, which repeals existing law passed in 2010.