Proposed state law

Add medical-review for suspected abuse cases in DCF policy

Last activity August 6, 2026 (about 1 month ago)

  1. Filed

    August 6, 2026

  2. In committee

  3. Reported out of committee

    Both chambers have to pass it in the same words.

  4. Passed the legislature

  5. Signed by the Governor

The Massachusetts House bill H5628 would amend Section 51B of Chapter 119 to require a physician or nurse to consult if a child’s diagnosed medical condition could be misinterpreted as abuse. If appropriate, an examination may be conducted to assess whether symptoms of suspected abuse or neglect may result from a medical condition. Status: reported favorably.

Affects Parents and guardians of children and Children and pediatric patients

Filed by Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and Brian W. Murray

Now with the Massachusetts House of Representatives

About Health & Human Services

Compare with the government's own wording

Official title

An Act relative to specific medical diagnoses regarding the Department of Children and Families

Timeline

  1. August 6, 2026

    New draft of H5286

    House

  2. August 6, 2026

    Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing

    House

  3. August 6, 2026

    Reported from the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

    House