Massachusetts H5017: An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 5, 2026:

SECTION 1. Section 18AA of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “benefits” the last time it appears the following: The executive office of health and human services and the executive office of housing and economic development shall determine a method for the common application portal to also allow individuals to simultaneously apply to affordable broadband programs offered by telecommunications providers. SECTION 2. Section 30 of chapter 32A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “behavioral health services, the following: “E-consults”, asynchronous, consultative, provider-to-provider communications within a shared electronic health record (EHR) or web-based platform that are intended to improve access to specialty expertise for patients and providers without the need for a face-to-face visit, focused on a specific question. E-consults are inclusive of the consult generated from one provider or other qualified health professional to another, and of communications before/after consultation back to the member and/or the member’s caregiver. “E-Visits”, patient-initiated, non face-to-face digital communications conducted via a HIPAA-compliant secure platform or patient portal including online digital evaluation and management services. Such communications involve clinical decision-making comparable to what would occur in an in-office visits. “Remote patient monitoring services”, personal health and medical data collection, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Services, Joint Committee on Financial (I) · primary sponsor
• Marjorie Decker (D, 25th Middlesex)
• Mindy Domb (D, 3rd Hampshire)
• Natalie Higgins (D, 4th Worcester)
• Samantha Montaño (D)
• Danillo Sena (D)
• Natalie Blais (D, 1st Franklin)
• Manny Cruz (D)
• Erika Uyterhoeven (D, 27th Middlesex)
• James Arena-DeRosa (D)
• Mike Connolly (D, 26th Middlesex)
• Lindsay Sabadosa (D, 1st Hampshire)

Latest actions

1. July 9, 2026: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
2. February 5, 2026: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
3. February 5, 2026: New draft of H1130
4. February 5, 2026: Reported from the committee on Financial Services

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Financial Services (January 12, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H5017?

H5017 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients.

What is the status of H5017?

In committee as of July 9, 2026. Latest action: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (July 9, 2026).

Who sponsored H5017?

Services, Joint Committee on Financial (I), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H5017?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5017