Massachusetts H378: An Act for the protection and privacy of social care information

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. The General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, are hereby amended by inserting after chapter 93L the following chapter: CHAPTER 93M. Protection and Privacy of Social Care Information SECTION 2. Definitions “Closed-Loop Referral System” or “CLRS” means any system that stores the social care information of one or more individuals; enables the sharing of social care information with and between participating entities for the purpose of referring individuals for social care; and is capable of updating or showing updated referral activity, including data related to participating organizations completing referrals. “Participating organization” means any entity that has the ability to create, receive, or update referrals, or other social care information in a CLRS, including, but not limited to, healthcare providers, health plans, public agencies, charitable and nonprofit organizations, CLRS technology vendors, and entities that provide social care. “Social care” means care, services, goods, or supplies related to an individual’s social needs. “Social care” includes, but is not limited to, support and assistance for an individual’s food stability and nutritional needs, housing, transportation, economic stability, employment, education access and quality, child care and family relationship needs, and environmental and physical safety. “Social care information” means any information that relates to the need for, payment for, or provision of social care, and identifies the person receiving social care, or …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Jessica Giannino (D, 16th Suffolk) · primary sponsor
• Brian Murray (D, 10th Worcester)
• McGonagle, Jr., Joseph W. (D, 28th Middlesex)

Latest actions

1. February 11, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5080
2. August 28, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 09/08/2025 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in A-2
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Common questions

What is H378?

H378 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act for the protection and privacy of social care information.

What is the status of H378?

Failed as of February 11, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5080 (February 11, 2026).

Who sponsored H378?

Jessica Giannino (D, 16th Suffolk), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H378?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H378