Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H5286: An Act relative to specific medical diagnoses regarding the Department of Children and Families
Status: In committee, August 6, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, March 12, 2026:
Section 51B of chapter 119 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after subsection (b) the following subsection:- (b½) If the parent, guardian or other caretaker provides evidence that the child has a preexisting diagnosis of rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency or any other medical condition known to appear or be caused by, or known to be misdiagnosed as, abuse, the department shall consult with a physician or advanced practice registered nurse who routinely provides medical care to pediatric patients. If the physician or registered nurse deems it appropriate, they may conduct an examination of the child to advise on whether the symptoms of suspected abuse or neglect are likely to have been caused by a medical condition. No consultation or examination shall be requested or performed pursuant to this subsection for the purpose of obtaining a second opinion as to whether a child has been sexually abused.
Sponsors
- Brian Murray (D, 10th Worcester) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Accompanied a new draft, see H5628
- : Hearing rescheduled to 07/01/2026 from 10:00 AM-12:50 PM in B-2 <br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- : Hearing scheduled for 07/01/2026 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-2
- : Senate concurred
- : Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- : Referred to the committee on House Rules
Common questions
- What is H5286?
- H5286 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to specific medical diagnoses regarding the Department of Children and Families.
- What is the status of H5286?
- In committee as of August 6, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a new draft, see H5628 (August 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored H5286?
- Brian Murray (D, 10th Worcester).
- Where is the official record for H5286?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5286
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.