Notices of Public Hearing (Published 5/23/2025)
Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of
603 CMR 41.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT
Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, §1B, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on proposed amendments to 603 CMR 41.00, Regulations for Regional School Districts.
The proposed amendments will update, streamline, and simplify definitions and procedures related to regional school districts, including establishment of such districts and membership changes in existing districts; clarify the required Commissioner approval and Department review of proposed regional school district agreements and proposed amendments to such agreements; further refine the Commissioner's role in setting of interim budgets when required by law, along with associated Department activities; and add waiver and severability sections to the regulations.
Copies of the proposed amendments are available on the Department’s website at https://www.doe.mass.edu/bese/regs-comments/default.html, or at http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/, or by calling 781-338-6585. Public comments may be submitted online by completing this form https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8223889/ProposedAmendments-to-Regional-School-District-Regulations-2025, or by email to RegionalGovernance@mass.gov or by mail to: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner’s Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. The deadline to submit public comment is June 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting in September 2025.
Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of 603 CMR 41.00
Small Business Impact Statement
This statement accompanies the filing by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of the proposed amendments to 603 CMR 41.00, Regulations for Regional School Districts.
The proposed amendments will update, streamline, and simplify definitions and procedures related to regional school districts, including establishment of such districts and membership changes in existing districts; clarify the required Commissioner approval and Department review of proposed regional school district agreements and proposed amendments to such agreements; further refine the Commissioner's role in setting of interim budgets when required by law, along with associated Department activities; and add waiver and severability sections to the regulations.
- The proposed amendments do not affect small businesses.
- Since the proposed amendments do not affect small businesses, the following considerations are not applicable:
- Reporting, record keeping or other administrative costs required of small businesses for compliance associated with the amendments.
- Appropriateness of performance standards vs. design standards.
- Regulations of this agency or any other state agency, which may duplicate or conflict with the proposed amendments.
- Analysis of whether the proposed amendments are likely to deter or encourage the formation of new business in the state
Submitted by:
Rhoda E. Schneider, on behalf of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Date: May 1, 2025
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Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals, Board of Registration of
309 CMR 1.00 through 9.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
This Public Hearing Notice can be translated into other languages upon request. Translation requests can be made by emailing lsp.board@mass.gov or calling (617) 556-1091.
Notice is hereby given that the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Professionals (also known as the LSP Board), under its authority pursuant to M.G.L. c. 21A, §§ 16 and 19 through 19J, will hold a public hearing in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30A on proposed amendments to the regulations at 309 CMR 1.00-9.00: Regulations of the Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals. The proposed amendments include changes to: the continuing education requirements for LSPs and course providers, examination procedures, and other technical amendments.
The proposed amendments, a background document and registration link are available on the LSP Board’s website https://www.mass.gov/event/june-16-2025-notice-of-public-hearing-regarding-proposed-amendments-to-the-lsp-boards-regulations-06-16-2025
The date and time for the public hearing is: June 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (EST)
Register in advance for this public hearing at the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VtD6unCDRi6pBFrkNn3acw
Please join the public hearing from your computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also dial in using your phone. Testimony may be presented orally at the public hearing, or by written comments which may be submitted until 5:00 PM on June 26, 2025. Written comments must be submitted via email to Terry Wood at terry.wood@mass.gov or via regular mail to Terry Wood, LSP Board, 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114.
For special accommodations for this hearing, please call the EEA Diversity Office at 617-626-1282.
TTY# MassRelay Service 1-800-439-2370.
This information is available in alternate format upon request. MassDEP provides language access interpreter/translation services to limited English proficient individuals free of charge. If you need an interpreter to participate in this meeting, translation services can be found at the following link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massdep-language-translation-assistance.
CMR No: 309 CMR 1.00-9.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
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Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
200 (this number would include any LSPs that own or work for a small business as well as any continuing education course providers or sponsoring organizations offering Board-approved courses that might be small businesses)
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Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No.
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Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
Yes. Any course providers or sponsoring organizations that offer Board-approved courses that are small businesses will now have to maintain some additional documentation regarding courses they offer.
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Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?
Yes. Any course providers or sponsoring organizations that offer Board-approved courses that are small businesses could be subject to audit.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No.
Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?
No.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No.
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Health and Human Services, Executive Office of
101 CMR 351.00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Under the authority of M.G.L. c. 118E and in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will hold a remote public hearing on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. relative to the adoption of amendments to the following regulation.
101 CMR 351.00: Rates for Certain Adult Foster Care Services
Regulation 101 CMR 351.00 governs the payment rates for adult foster care (AFC) services, including group adult foster care (GAFC) services, provided to publicly aided individuals purchased by governmental units.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D, EOHHS is required to establish and periodically review the rates to be paid by governmental units to providers of noninstitutional healthcare services, including AFC services, provided under MassHealth. The proposed amendments update the effective date of 101 CMR 351.00 to November 1, 2025, with no changes to the current rates.
EOHHS is proposing these amendments, subject to federal approval, to ensure that payment rates are consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care, and to satisfy the requirements of M.G.L. 118E, sections 13C and 13D. There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed amendments. There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.
To register to testify at the hearing and to get instructions on how to join the hearing online, go to:
www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings.
To join the hearing by phone, call (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# when prompted.
You may also submit written testimony instead of, or in addition to, live testimony. To submit written testimony, please email your testimony to ehs-regulations@mass.gov as an attached Word or PDF document or as text within the body of the email with the name of the regulation in the subject line. All written testimony must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals who are unable to submit testimony by email should mail written testimony to:
EOHHS, c/o D. Briggs
100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor
Quincy, MA 02171.
Written testimony will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2025.
EOHHS specifically invites comments as to how the amendments may affect beneficiary access to care for MassHealth covered services.
To review the current draft of the proposed regulation, go to www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings or request a copy in writing from MassHealth Publications, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171.
Special accommodation requests may be directed to the Disability Accommodations Ombudsman by email at:
ADAAccommodations@mass.gov or by phone at (617) 847- 3468 (TTY: (617) 847-3788).
Please allow two weeks to schedule sign language interpreters.
EOHHS may adopt a revised version of the proposed regulation taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives that come to its attention.
In case of inclement weather or other emergency, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the MassHealth website at www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings.
May 9, 2025
CMR No: 101 CMR 351.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
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Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
140 adult foster care providers
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Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No. Small businesses will not have to create, file, or issue additional reports, as a result of the proposed amendments to this regulation.
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Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No. Small businesses will not have additional responsibilities to keep records as a result of the proposed amendments to this regulation.
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Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No. Small businesses are not required by this regulation to provide additional administrative oversight as a result of the proposed amendments to this regulation.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No. This regulation does not require small businesses to hire additional employees to remain in compliance.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No. Small businesses are not required by this regulation to hire other professionals.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No. This regulation does not require small businesses to purchase any particular product or make any capital investments.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No. The regulation is required by statute under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, § 13D and establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units to providers of noninstitutional health care service programs.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No. No regulations duplicate or conflict with this regulation.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?
Yes. The regulation requires providers to periodically file cost data to enable EOHHS to develop rates for adult foster care services. This cost reporting requirement is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No. This regulation does not require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with the regulatory requirements.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this regulation establishes rates by which providers of adult foster care services are to be paid when services are purchased by governmental units.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. The regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this regulation establishes rates by which providers of adult foster care services are to be paid when services are purchased by governmental units.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The regulation contains requirements to report cost data to EOHHS to enable EOHHS to develop rates for adult foster care services. This cost-reporting requirement is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The regulation contains requirements to report cost data to EOHHS to enable EOHHS to develop rates for adult foster care services. The time frame for cost reporting is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to timely develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The agency did not consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses. The requirement to report cost data to EOHHS is applied uniformly to enable EOHHS to timely develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?
No. The establishment of rates for health care services by regulation is a statutory requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, § 13D.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. The regulation does not have an adverse impact on small businesses. The regulation establishes rates by which adult foster care service providers are to be paid when services are purchased by governmental units. The establishment of rates for these health care services by regulation is a statutory requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, § 13D.
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Labor Relations, Department of 456 CMR 24.00
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS
Pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A, § 2, notice is hereby given of the following proposed action:
REGULATIONS
These regulations support the administration of Ballot Question 3, enacted as General Law Chapter 150F. Chapter 150F allows app-based rideshare drivers the opportunity to organize and collectively bargain. The Department of Labor Relations, through the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board, is responsible for administration of the process.
Promulgation of proposed draft regulations: 456 CMR 24.00:
Administration of the Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Law, G.L. c 150F
Copies of the proposed regulation are available at www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-relations. The Department of Labor Relations will be accepting public comments with regard to the proposed regulations and will hold a related public hearing to gather public input on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms 2 and 3 on the 21st Floor of 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02133. The deadline to submit public comments is June 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Please submit any comments to efiledlr@mass.gov or 617.626.7132.
CMR No: 456 CMR 24.00
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
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Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
No. The proposed emergency regulations only impact transportation network companies that have joined together or that as individuals have at least 80% of the market share of rides in Massachusetts. This is companies like Uber and Lyft, which are not small businesses.
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Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses. See Q1.
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Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses. See Q1.
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Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses. See Q1.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses. See Q1.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No. The proposed regulations do not affect small businesses. See Q1.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No. The proposed regulations do not affect small businesses. See Q1.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No. These draft emergency regulations specify a process through which the statutory objectives can be accomplished.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No. These proposed emergency regulations are designed to complement newly enacted legislation following ballot Q3.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. As the proposed emergency regulation does not impact small businesses, the regulation should have no effect or a neutral effect on the formation of small businesses.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No.
Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?
No. The proposed emergency regulations do not affect small businesses.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. The proposed changes do not affect small businesses.
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Medical Assistance, Division of
130 CMR 464.000
NOTICE OF PROPOSED NEW REGULATION
Under the authority of M.G.L. c. 118E, ss. 7 and 12 and in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Division of Medical Assistance (the Division) proposes to adopt the following new regulation.
130 CMR 464.000: Program of Assertive Community Treatment Services
It is anticipated that this new regulation will not go into effect before September 1, 2025. There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.
The proposed new regulation, 130 CMR 464.000, sets forth the requirements for programs of assertive community treatment (PACT) providers to enroll as MassHealth providers and establishes PACT providers as a new provider type. Providers participating as PACT providers have been billing the Department of Mental Health. PACT providers will instead now bill MassHealth for fee-for-service members.
The purpose of this new regulation is to regulate and enroll PACT providers into the MassHealth fee-for-service program. The regulation will accomplish the following.
- Establish PACT providers as a provider type that may bill MassHealth for services.
- Define PACT services.
- Establish the following payable services: intake; initial assessment and initial treatment planning; comprehensive assessment; Program of Assertive Community Treatment services; employment and vocational services; housing services and supports; pharmacotherapy; referral services, including crisis intervention referrals; and discharge planning.
- Establish program administration and programmatic requirements including member and provider eligibility, nonpayable services, nonpayable circumstances, telehealth, staffing and supervision requirements, recordkeeping requirements, and maximum allowable fees.
There may be costs to operationalize new providers under this new regulation to permit PACT providers to begin to bill MassHealth for PACT services. These costs may include costs associated with complying with reporting and staffing requirements.
To submit data, views, or arguments concerning this proposed new regulation, please email them to masshealthpublicnotice@mass.gov as an attached Word or PDF document or as text within the body of the email with the name of the regulation in the subject line. All submissions must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals who are unable to submit comments by email should mail comments to EOHHS, c/o D. Briggs, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171.
Comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025. The Division specifically invites comments as to how the new regulation may affect beneficiary access to care.
All persons desiring to review the current draft of the proposed new regulation may go to www.mass.gov/info-details/masshealth-public-notices or request a copy in writing from MassHealth Publications, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171.
The Division may adopt a revised version of the proposed new regulation taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives that come to its attention.
May 9, 2025
CMR No: 130 CMR 464.000
Small Business Impact Statement
(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)
-
Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:
15
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Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?
Yes. Small businesses may have to create, file, or issue additional reports as a result of the proposed new chapter, 130 CMR 464.000.
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Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?
Yes. Small businesses may have additional responsibilities to keep records as a result of the proposed new chapter, 130 CMR 464.000.
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Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?
No. Small businesses will not be required by 130 CMR 464.000 to provide additional administrative oversight.
Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 will not require small businesses to hire additional employees to remain in compliance.
Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?
No. Small businesses will not be required by 130 CMR 464.000 to hire other professionals.
Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 will not require small businesses to purchase any products or make any capital investments.
Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?
(Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)No. Performance standards are not more appropriate than design or operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective of establishing provider participation requirements for EOHHS healthcare services, as the proposed regulation is required by statute under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Sections 7 and 12.
Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?
No other regulations duplicate or conflict with this regulation.
Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?
Yes. Small businesses will need to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities.
Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?
No. Small businesses will not be required to provide educational services to keep up to date with the regulatory requirements.
Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as the proposed regulation establishes provider participation requirements for PACT providers.
Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as the proposed regulation establishes provider participation requirements for PACT providers.
Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 will not distinguish between small and other businesses.
Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 will not distinguish between small and other businesses.
Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 establishes uniform provider participation requirements for the provision of PACT services to MassHealth members. These requirements are applied uniformly in order to maintain consistency in the care provided by PACT providers to MassHealth members.
Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?
No. Distinguishing small businesses from other businesses would not be practicable to implement the proposed regulation.
Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?
No. 130 CMR 464.000 will not have an adverse impact on small businesses.