H2452

	SECTION 1. (a) There shall be a special legislative commission pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to examine and make recommendations regarding the improvement of care, support, and resources for individuals experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
	(b) The special legislative commission shall consist of the following: the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public health, who shall serve as co-chairs; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on healthcare finance; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on racial equity, civil rights, and inclusion; the chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, or a designee; 1 member of the house appointed by the minority leader; 1 member of the senate appointed by the minority leader; the secretary of health and human services, or a designee; the commissioner of public health, or a designee; the executive director of the Health Policy Commission, or a designee; the executive director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women; 37 members appointed by the co-chairs of the commission, including: the executive director of the HER Foundation, or a designee; a representative of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; a representative of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; a representative of the Preeclampsia Foundation; a representative of Postpartum Support International; a representative of the March of Dimes; 1 member of the Massachusetts Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee; 1 member of the Massachusetts Medical Society who specializes in childbirth or maternal health, including, but not limited to, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, or family medicine; 1 member of the Massachusetts chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists who specializes in childbirth or maternal health, including, but not limited to, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, or family medicine; 1 member of the Massachusetts affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives; 1 member of the Perinatal-Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of Massachusetts; 1 member of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression, established pursuant to chapter 313 of the acts of 2010; the executive director of the Massachusetts association of health plans; 3 physicians with experience treating hyperemesis gravidarum, including at least 1 who practices in a birthing center working with women who experience high or disparate rates of maternal mortality or severe maternal morbidity; 2 nurses with experience treating hyperemesis gravidarum; 2 physicians assistants with experience treating hyperemesis gravidarum; 2 certified professional midwives with experience treating hyperemesis gravidarum; 2 doulas with experience with patients with hyperemesis gravidarum; 3 people who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy; 1 person who identifies as a father with experience supporting a pregnant partner with hyperemesis gravidarum; 3 representatives of organizations that provide care, education, advocacy, research or other support for pregnant women; 3 executive directors or directors of obstetrics and gynecological departments of teaching hospitals, or their designees; 3 professors or administrators of Massachusetts medical schools specializing in maternal healthcare; and 2 members appointed by the governor, including 1 person with experience providing care to patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and 1 person who has experienced hyperemesis gravidarum.
	(i) All appointments to the commission shall prioritize individuals from underserved communities. Members of the special commission shall have evidence-based or lay knowledge, expertise, or experience related to hyperemesis gravidarum and shall reflect broad racial and geographic diversity within the commonwealth. The majority of lay members of the commission shall represent the diversity of the communities most impacted by inequities in maternal health outcomes in the commonwealth and shall reflect the constituency the commission is intended to serve.
	(ii) All appointments shall be made no later than 60 days after the effective date of this act.
	(iii) The commission shall convene its first meeting not more than 90 days from the effective date of this act and meet not less than quarterly until it has completed its investigation and final report.
	(iv) The commission may establish committees, hold public listening sessions, collect written testimony and invite guest speakers and ex officio members in furtherance of its purpose at the discretion of the chairs or a majority vote of its members.
	(c) The special legislative commission’s investigation and report shall:
	(i) Examine existing public and private insurance coverage for all medications and nutritional therapies used to treat hyperemesis gravidarum and related symptoms; identify barriers to access; and develop legislative and regulatory recommendations to ensure that patients can affordably obtain hyperemesis gravidarum-related medications and nutritional supplements.
	(ii) Evaluate existing continuing education and training for mental health professionals and OB/GYN practitioners, including nurses, doctors, doulas, and midwives on hyperemesis gravidarum diagnosis and management, and recommend strategies for the Legislature, Department of Public Health, and private institutions to expand access to these educational opportunities.
	(iii) Review existing paid leave coverage for individuals with debilitating hyperemesis gravidarum, including but not limited to Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave, Workers' Compensation, Disability Insurance, sick leave, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act; and recommend legislative policies to ensure that individuals with hyperemesis gravidarum can take adequate time off for their care during pregnancy without sacrificing postpartum paid leave.
	(iv) Develop recommendations for the Legislature, Department of Public Health, and relevant state agencies to launch public awareness campaigns educating pregnant individuals and healthcare providers about hyperemesis gravidarum and available resources.
	(v) Review existing hyperemesis gravidarum -related research and explore opportunities for the Commonwealth to encourage universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutions to better understand hyperemesis gravidarum causes and treatment, as well as the economic and social costs associated with the illness on mothers, children, and families.
	(vi) Evaluate existing state programs and infrastructure for opportunities to add supportive services for hyperemesis gravidarum patients.
	(d) The commission shall submit its report, including recommendations for legislation, to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate no later than September 1, 2026.