Notices of Public Hearing (Published 8/1/2025)

Architects, Board of Registration
231 CMR 3.00

NOTICE OF HEARING

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 13, §44C and c. 30A, §2, the Board of Registration of Architects will hold a virtual public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Board’s regulations at 231 CMR 3.00, which establish qualification requirements for licensure as an architect. A small business impact statement has been filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office. 

The Board will hold this public hearing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. by videoconference at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting,
Meeting ID: 218 710 930 928 3,
Passcode: fj7kr9Dn,
or call in to: (857) 327-9245,
Phone Conference ID: 634 429 466#.
Interested parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally or in writing at this hearing.
Written comments may be emailed to: architectboard@mass.gov or mailed to:
Attention: Colleen Maloney
the Board of Registration of Architects, Division of Occupational Licensure
One Federal Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025. A copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained at the Board’s website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-architects or by contacting the Board office directly at the above address or by phone: (617) 701-8690.

CMR No.: 231 CMR 3.00
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:

  The Board of Registration of Architects currently has issued approximately 8,415 active architect licenses, the majority of whom likely work in small businesses.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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. In order to ensure architects are properly trained, specific educational criteria must be adopted by these regulations.
  

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No, the Board has exclusive authority over the licensing and regulation of architects.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  No. All registered architects are mandated to cooperate with Board inquiries regarding continuing education requirements in this section; no amendments are proposed regarding this issue.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No.  Individual architects will continue to be required to meet continuing education requirements, but the regulation does not require small businesses to provide these educational services to architects.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. This regulation adopts national registration and continuing education standards for the architecture profession. There is no provision in the regulation that should deter the formation of small businesses in the Commonwealth.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. In mandating Massachusetts architects meet national standards, it is anticipated that Massachusetts would be deemed business friendly and would encourage the formation of new businesses.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This section mandates equal requirements for all prospective and registered architects; it could not fairly reduce those requirements for certain businesses as one sector of the industry.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This section mandates equal requirements for all prospective and registered architects; it could not fairly reduce those requirements for certain businesses as one sector of the industry.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not establish compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. Design standards are more appropriate because the regulation sets minimum standards for architect licensing.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. G.L. c. 13, §66B mandates that licensing qualifications and minimum practice standards must be established by regulations.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
703 CMR 6.00

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND HEARING

Notice is hereby given pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 2-3, that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”) will hold a hybrid public hearing on Thursday August 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM. and accept written public comment until 5:00 p.m. on August 21, 2025, the same day, concerning the following regulatory action:

Establish 703 CMR 6.00
Issuance and Enforcement of Automated Bus Lane and Bus Stop Violations

The proposed regulatory action is required by MGL c. 90K, § 9 and Chapter 363 of the Acts of 2024. The statute establishes authority for certain “enforcing authorities” to issue violations and collect fines for vehicles that illegally park or stand in a designated bus lane or park in a designated bus stop. Enforcing authorities for bus lanes include the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs). Enforcing authorities for bus stops include the MBTA, RTAs, and municipalities that are in the service area of the MBTA or an RTA. The regulations implement the statute and provide standards and requirements for enforcing authorities.

MBTA will hold this hearing:

Remotely at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MDD6sWE4QWGi_9Bp8ffMQg

In person at:
10 Park Plaza
2nd Floor Board Room
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Individuals who notify MBTA of their intent to testify during the hearing will be afforded an earlier opportunity to speak. Speakers are strongly encouraged to notify MBTA of their intention to testify at the hearing by emailing the address below. Written comments must be submitted by email or postal mail to the following address with the subject line “703 CMR 6.00 – Issuance and Enforcement of Automated Bus Lane and Bus Stop Violations”:

Email: Christopher.MF.Smith@dot.state.ma.us
Postal Mail:
Christopher Smith
Senior Lead Counsel
MBTA 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3510
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

A copy of the above-listed regulations may be obtained by request to the above address or email address.

MBTA may adopt a revised version of the proposed action considering relevant comments received and any other practical alternatives that come to its attention. 

For accommodation or language assistance requests, please contact:
MBTA’s Chief Diversity & Civil Rights Officer
by phone at: (857) 368- 8580, TTD/TTY at (857) 266 0603, fax (857) 368 0602
or by email to MBTACivilRights@mbta.com.
Requests should be made as soon as possible, ideally at least five business days before the close of the public hearing. 

CMR No.: 703 CMR 6.00
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:

  Zero small businesses will be impacted due to their status as a small business. Small businesses will be subject to restrictions and penalties for parking or standing in a bus lane or bus stop.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  No.

• 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.  

Cosmetology and Barbering, Board of Registration of
240 CMR 2.00 through 11.00

NOTICE OF HEARING 

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 87T through 87KK and c. 30A, § 2, the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (''Board") will hold a virtual public hearing relative to its regulations (240 CMR 2.00-11.00). Specifically, the proposed changes remove unnecessary requirements and assist in business operations. This includes clarifying definitions, updating premises requirements, and reducing minimum school sizes. A small business impact statement has been filed with the Secretary of State's Office. The Board will hold the public hearing as follows (pre-registration is not required):

Friday, August 8, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.:

https://www.microsoft .com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting
Meeting ID: 214791468954 4
Passcode: gJ3eG9xy

+ 1-857-327-9245,,488716581# United States, Boston
Phone conference ID: 488 716 581# 

Interested Parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally at this hearing. The Board will also accept written comments regarding the regulations received prior to the hearing via email at cosmetologyandbarberingboard@mass.gov or by mail at this address:

Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Division of Occupational Licensure
One Federal Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02110 

Written comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
A copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained at the Board's web site located at: https:/lwww.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-cosmetology-and-barbering or by contacting the Board office directly at the above address or by phone: (617)-701-8792. Once all testimony is received, the Board intends to conclude the hearing and immediately convene a regular board meeting to finalize the regulations, and the public is welcome to attend that regular board meeting. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 2: Licensure of cosmetologists, manicurists, aestheticians, demonstrators and instructors
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:

  Approximately 15,000

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the fornation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 3: Cosmetology Salons
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:

  Approximately 9,000

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barber ing are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 4: Operation of cosmetology schools and post-secondary institutions
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:

  Approximately 65

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barber ing are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 5: Operation of aesthetic schools and post-secondary institutions
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:

  Approximately 20

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barber ing are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 6: Advanced Seminars
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:

  Approximately 10

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 7: Operation of Manicuring Schools

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5) 

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  Approximately 10

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 8: Barber Regulations

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5) 

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  Approximately 1,700

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barber ing are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 9: Administrative Practices for Electrolysis

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5) 

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  Approximately 98

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barber ing are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 10: Licensure of Electrolysis Schools

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5) 

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  Approximately 2

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

CMR No: 240 CMR 11: Cotinuing Education for Electrolysis

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5) 

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  0

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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?

  
  

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; operational standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.
  

• 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. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are currently subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• 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. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; lesser safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This regulation does not include, alter, or amend any schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting for small businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. Licensees of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering are subject to inspections and regulatory enforcement activities in order to ensure that safety standards are maintained; reduced safety standards for small businesses would not be appropriate in this context.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments; design standards are more appropriate than performance standards in this safety context.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.  The board is tasked with imposing licensure requirements for cosmetology and barbering professionals and establishments there are no alternative regulatory methods available in order to achieve its objective. 

Electricians, Board of State Examiners of and Board of Electricians' Appeals
237 CMR 14.00 & 15.00

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to M. G. L. c. 13, § 32A; c. 30A; c. 112, § 61, and c. 141, §§ 2, 2A the Board of State Examiners of Electricians and the Board of Electricians’ Appeals will hold a public hearing relative to the proposed promulgation of amendments to the Board’s regulations at 237 Code Mass. Regs. §§ 14.00 (Examinations for Licensure) and 15.00 (Licensure without Examination). By these proposed amendments, the Board seeks to: remove outdated and unnecessary requirements which have become burdensome on license applicants; provide new pathways to licensure; and otherwise clarify language which may have led to confusion, thus making compliance easier and more cost effective. A small business impact statement has been filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office.

The Board will hold the public hearing as follows (pre-registration is not required):

Monday, August 18, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.:
By videoconference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting
Meeting ID: 250 774 201 730 0
Passcode: nN36tp2u
Or call in to: (857) 327-9245
Phone Conference ID: 948 621 856#

Interested Parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally at this hearing. The Board will also accept written comments received prior to the hearing regarding the regulations sent via email at electricians.board@mass.gov or by mail at this address: 

Board of State Examiners of Electricians
Division of Occupational Licensure
1 Federal St., 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2012

 Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025. A copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained at the Board’s web site located at: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians or by contacting the Board office directly at the above address or by phone: (617) 727-9931.

CMR No: 237 CMR 14.00: Examination for Licensure
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:

  Approximately 2,700. As of July 2025. there are cmTently 2.666 licensed electrician and systems contractor businesses (which include 2456 electrical businesses and 210 svstems contractor businesses).

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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. This regulation does not mandate that electrician businesses purchase a product or make other capital investments. However. individuals seeking to enter the electric ian profession will be required to pay for a licensure examination.

• 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 board is tasked with imposing: licensure and practice requirements upon licensees based upon the standards of the electrician profession. Both specific performance standards and design/operational standards are appropriate for establishing licensure and practice standards.
  

• 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. Individuals performing electrician services or operating: electrician businesses are currently subject to inspections and reg:ulato1y enforcement activities in order to ensure that the standards of the profession are maintained. They are also required to respond to requests from the Board. make available records requested by the Board. and report to the Board unethical. incompetent or illegal acts committed by another licensee. These requirements will continue under the amended regulation.

• 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. This regulation gives the Board flexibility in administering examinations in languages other than English and therefore may encourage massage therapists who are English language learners to establish electrician businesses in Massachusens.

• 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. This regulation requires electrician licensees to cooperate with requests by the Board and make available to the Board any requested record. It does not simplify or consolidate any reporting requirements for electrician establishments.

• 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.  

CMR No: 237 CMR 15.00: Licensure without Examination 

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5) 

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  Approximately 2,700. As of July 2025. there are cmTently 2.666 licensed electrician and systems contractor businesses (which include 2456 electrical businesses and 210 svstems contractor businesses).

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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. This regulation does not mandate that electrician businesses purchase a product or make other capital investments. However. individuals seeking to enter the electric ian profession will be required to pay for a licensure examination.

• 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.)

  The board is tasked with imposing: licensure and practice requirements upon licensees based upon the standards of the electrician profession. Both specific performance standards and design/ operational standards are appropriate for establishing licensure and practice standards.
  

• 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. Individuals performing electrician services or operating: electrician businesses are currently subject to inspections and reg:ulato1y enforcement activities in order to ensure that the standards of the profession are maintained. They are also required to respond to requests from the Board. make available records requested by the Board. and report to the Board unethical. incompetent or illegal acts committed by another licensee. These requirements will continue under the amended regulation.

• 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. This regulation gives the Board flexibility in administering examinations in languages other than English and therefore may encourage massage therapists who are English language learners to establish electrician businesses in Massachusens.

• 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. This regulation requires electrician licensees to cooperate with requests by the Board and make available to the Board any requested record. It does not simplify or consolidate any reporting requirements for electrician establishments.

• 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.  

Health and Human Services, Executive Office of
101 CMR 356.00

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, August 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. relative to the adoption of amendments to the following regulation.

101 CMR 356.00: Rates for Money Follows the Person Demonstration Services

 Regulation 101 CMR 356.00 governs the payment rates for Money Follows the Person Demonstration services provided to publicly aided individuals purchased by governmental units.

Under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, § 13D, EOHHS is required to establish and periodically review the rates to be paid by governmental units for noninstitutional health care services, including the Money Follows the Person Demonstration services provided under the MassHealth program. 

The proposed amendments update the effective date of 101 CMR 356.00 to December 1, 2025, with no changes to the current rates. EOHHS concludes the proposed approach of no change to the current rates is adequate to meet the costs incurred by efficiently and economically operated facilities providing care and services in conformity with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including M.G.L. Chapter 118E, § 13C, as well as the quality and safety standards, and which are within the financial capacity of the Commonwealth. There are no issues related to access to these services. EOHHS also proposes to amend 101 CMR 356.00 to reflect updated terminology and current policy. 

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-servicespublic- 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 August 8, 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 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). 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. 

July 18, 2025 

CMR No: 101 CMR 356.00: Rates for Money Follows the Person Demonstration Services
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:

  There are 11 providers of Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration services.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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.  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 MFP Demonstration services.
  

• 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. The regulation requires providers to periodically file cost data to enable the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to develop rates for certain MFP Demonstration services. This cost reporting requirement is applied uniformly to all providers and is necessary 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.  

• 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.   The regulation contains requirements to report cost data to EOHHS. These reports enable EOHHS to develop rates for MFP Demonstration services. The timeframe for cost reporting is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates in a timely manner 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 develop accurate rates in a timely manner 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 certain providers of MFP Demonstration 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 certain providers of MFP Demonstration services are to be paid when governmental units purchase services. The establishment of rates for these MFP Demonstration services by regulation is a statutory requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, § 13D.

Health and Human Services, Executive Office of
101 CMR 427.00

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, August 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. relative to the adoption of amendments to the following regulation.

101 CMR 427.00: Rates for Certain Youth and Young Adult Support Services

The proposed regulation contains rates effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2025. There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.

101 CMR 427.00 governs the payment rates for certain youth and young adult support services provided to publicly aided individuals by governmental units. These services are purchased by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Public Health (DPH), and the Department of Mental Health (DMH).

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D (f/k/a Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008), EOHHS is required to establish, by regulation, and biennially review the rates to be paid by governmental units for social service programs. In accordance with this statutory requirement, 101 CMR 427.00 establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units for certain youth and young adult support services. The proposed amendments update rates for certain youth and young adult support services by a cost adjustment factor (CAF) of 3.25%, effective July 1, 2025. The CAF was determined by using baseline and prospective Massachusetts Economic Indicator data from IHS Economics – Fall 2024 Forecast, baseline scenario data. The CAF reflects the period between the rates’ base period (calendar year 2025 Q2 and the prospective period of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. In addition to the CAF, the rates for all services have been updated to include all staff salaries, benchmarked to the most recent Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wages dated May 2023 at the 53rd percentile. The administrative allocation is benchmarked to 12% and the tax and fringe rate has been benchmarked to 24.97%. This benchmark is derived from the MA Comptroller’s FY25 approved rate less terminal leave and retirement. The language in the Severability section has also been updated for consistency across EOHHS rate regulations.

With coordination from DPH, we added two new rates to this regulation to deliver and support the engagement of parents/caregivers into ASE programming. The fiscal impact is unknown at this time, but any costs will be covered by the agencies’ operating budgets.

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-servicespublic- 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 Friday, August 8, 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 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). 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. 

July 18, 2025 

CMR No: 101 CMR 427.00 
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:

  37

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  Yes. Providers of certain social service program services, including those that are small businesses, will have to create, file, and issue reports as a result of the proposed regulation. The reporting requirement is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  Yes. Providers of certain social service program services, including those that are small businesses, will have responsibilities to keep records as a result of the proposed regulation. The recordkeeping requirement is applied uniformly to all providers to enable EOHHS to develop accurate rates that reflect cost data from all providers.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No. Small businesses are not required by this proposed regulation to provide additional administrative oversight. The proposed regulation establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units for certain social service program services.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No. This proposed regulation does not require small businesses to hire additional employees to remain in compliance. The proposed regulation establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units for certain social service program services.

• 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 proposed regulation to hire other professionals. The proposed regulation establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units for certain social service program services.

• 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 proposed regulation does not require small businesses to purchase any particular product or make any capital investments. The proposed regulation establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units for certain social service program services.

• 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 proposed regulation is required by statute under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D, to establish the specific rates to be paid by governmental units for certain social service programs.
  

• 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. This proposed regulation does require that providers of certain social service program services, including those that are small businesses, periodically file financial statements, cost reports, and additional information as required to ensure compliance with the rates as set by this proposed regulation. This 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 proposed regulation does not require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with the proposed regulatory requirements.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. The proposed regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this proposed regulation establishes rates by which providers of certain social service programs are to be paid when purchased by governmental units.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. The proposed regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this proposed regulation establishes rates by which providers of certain social service programs are to be paid when purchased by governmental units.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The proposed regulation contains requirements to report cost data to EOHHS to enable EOHHS to develop rates that are reasonable and adequate to meet the costs incurred by efficiently and economically operated social service program providers. This 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 proposed regulation contains requirements to report cost data to EOHHS to enable EOHHS to develop rates that are reasonable and adequate to meet the costs which are incurred by efficiently and economically operated social service program providers. This 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 compliance and reporting requirements are applied uniformly to all providers 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?

  N/A. This proposed regulation satisfies EOHHS statutory obligation under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D, to establish, by regulation, the rates to be paid by governmental units to providers of certain social service program services.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. The proposed regulation does not have an adverse impact on small businesses. The proposed regulation establishes rates by which certain social service providers are to be paid when services are purchased by governmental units. The establishment of rates for these social services by regulation is a statutory requirement under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13D.

Health and Human Services, Executive Office of
101 CMR 512.00

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, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. relative to the emergency adoption of amendments to the following regulation.

101 CMR 512.00: Nursing Facility User Fees

The regulation went into effect as an emergency on July 3, 2025. There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.

This proposed emergency amendment is necessary to update the User Fee regulation in response to a change in state law, enacted through the FY2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), and in response to changes in federal law regarding health care related taxes.

The changes in this emergency proposal include the following.

• • Mandating that the User Fee rates are set each year to achieve total assessment
  collections equal to 6% of revenues received by the taxpayers (i.e., nursing
  facilities)
  • Removing obsolete User Fee rates applicable to FY2023
  • Clarifying that the annual User Fee rates must be established in accordance with
  the methodology described in the regulation and published via administrative
  bulletin annually by October 1

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-servicespublic-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 August 8, 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 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). 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. 

July 18, 2025 

CMR No: 101 CMR 512.00: Nursing Facility User Fees 
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:

  The regulation applies to all licensed nursing facilities in Massachusetts. There are approximately 300 such entities subject to the proposed emergency amendments, and some of those are small businesses.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No. The proposed emergency amendments do not increase or otherwise change the existing reporting requirements of the regulated parties.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No. There are no additional recordkeeping procedures for small businesses or other regulated parties required through these proposed emergency amendments.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No. There are no additional administrative oversight requirements for small businesses or other regulated parties through these proposed emergency amendments.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No. Neither small businesses nor other regulated parties need to hire additional employees to comply with these proposed emergency amendments.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No. Neither small businesses nor other regulated parties need to hire other professionals to comply with these proposed emergency amendments.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No. Neither small businesses nor other regulated parties need to purchase products or make capital investments to comply with these proposed emergency amendments.

• 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 these proposed emergency amendments. Moreover, performance, design, and operational standards are not relevant to the proposed emergency amendments.
  

• 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?

  No. While the regulation implements reasonable enforcement authority to ensure that entities are subject to comply, the proposed emergency amendments do not include any additional audit, inspection, or other enforcement requirements.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No. The regulation does not require small businesses or other regulated parties to provide educational services to keep up to date with 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.

• 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.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The regulation does not distinguish between small businesses and other businesses

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The regulation does not distinguish between small businesses and other businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The regulation does not distinguish between small businesses and other businesses.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. Distinguishing between small and other businesses would not be practical to implement the regulation or the proposed emergency amendments.

• 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 proposed emergency amendments are required to implement updates to the User Fee, in response to changes in state law and expected changes in federal law.

Occupational Licensure, Division of
520 CMR 6.00

NOTICE OF HEARING

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 146, §53, 53A, and c. 30A, §2, the Division of Occupational Licensure will be holding a public hearing relative to hoisting machinery, 520 CMR 6.00. 

The purpose of these amendments is to remove outdated references in these regulations as well as to make changes designed to ease pathways to obtaining and retaining licensure and removal of unnecessary requirements to assist in business operations. This includes clarifying definitions, expanding the ability to utilize temporary permits, reducing continuing education requirements, and recognizing national certifications as an alternative pathway to licensure. A small business impact statement has been filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office. The Division will hold the public hearing in person and encourages live attendance, a remote option is also being provided, the details are as follows:

Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.:
Division of Occupational Licensure – Room 6008
1 Federal Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110

To attend by videoconference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting
ID: 248 860 541 729 4
Passcode: S8wQ7k39
Or call in to: (857) 327-9245
Phone Conference ID: 196 727 252 

Interested Parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally or in writing at this hearing. The Division will also accept written comments regarding the regulations sent via email at Email Office of Public Safety and Inspections, Division of Occupational Licensure at OPSIinfo@ mass.gov or by mail at this address:

Division of Occupational Licensure
Office of Public Safety and Inspections – ATTN Hoisting Program
1 Federal Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02210 

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025.
A copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained at the Division’s web site located at: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections or by contacting the Division office directly at the above address or by phone: (617) 727-3200. 

CMR No: 520 CMR 6.00
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:

  Approximately 60,000

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• 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. This regulation section does not mandate purchasing a product or making other investments (it does require machinery to have standard safety equipment, but as this equipment should be standard with the equipment, obtaining it should not constitute an additional purchase).

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  
  

  No. It would not be possible to create an effective performance standard for the prerequisites of operating hoisting machinery as design/operational standards are necessary to ensure only qualified operators following safe and effective operating procedures are utilized.
  

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No.  No other regulations are known to duplicate/conflict with this regulation.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  This regulation mandates cooperation with inspections/regulatory enforcement activities. That requirement is not limited to small businesses.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  This regulation adopts requirements necessary for safe operation of hoisting equipment, while those requirements may increase some costs, they are necessary for public safety and avoiding later loss of life and property, therefore it would not be anticipated to deter the formation of any businesses.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. This regulation adopts requirements necessary for safe operation of hoisting equipment, while those requirements may increase some costs, they are necessary for public safety and avoiding later loss of life and property, therefore it would not be anticipated to encourage the formation of any businesses.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. This regulation could encourage the formation of small businesses as updates to these regulations create more flexibility regarding shop and school premises than exist in current regulations.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  This regulation mandates equal requirements for the safe operation of hoisting equipment, so it does not reduce those requirements for any one sector of the industry.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  This regulation mandates equal requirements for the safe operation of hoisting equipment, it does not reduce those requirements for any one sector of the industry.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. It would not be possible to create an effective performance standard for the safe operation of hoisting equipment as design/operational standards are necessary to ensure only qualified operators following safe and effective operating procedures are utilized.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. This regulation mandates equal requirements for all materials used in the safe operation of hoisting equipment, it does not reduce those requirements for any one sector of the industry.

Plumbers and Gas Fitters, Board of State Examiners of
248 CMR 3.00 & 11.00

NOTICE OF HEARING

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 142, §4, 13 and c. 30A, §2, the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters will hold a public hearing relative to proposed promulgation of amendments to the Board’s regulations at 248 CMR 3.00 and 11.00, which govern the administrative and licensing provisions relative to Massachusetts’ plumbing and gas codes. The proposed revisions are part of a recent initiative by the Governor to streamline business operations while balancing consumer protection measures. In particular, these amendments are designed to remove outdated and unnecessary requirements, provide new pathways to licensure, and otherwise clarify language making compliance easier and more cost effective. A small business impact statement has been filed with the Secretary of Commonwealth’s Office.

The Board will hold this public hearing remotely on:

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., by videoconference:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting
Meeting ID: 290 022 548 433 4
Passcode: sX79w9er
Or call in to: (857) 327-9245, Phone Conference ID: 754 677 496

Interested Parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally or in writing at this hearing. The Board will also accept written comments regarding the regulations sent via email at plumbingboard@mass.gov or by mail at this address:

Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Division of Occupational Licensure
One Federal Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02110

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025. A copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained at the Board’s web site located at: http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/pl/ or by contacting the Board office directly at the above address or by phone: (617) 701-8798.

CMR No: 248 CMR 3.00
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:

  The Board presently has issued approximately 13,000 personal licenses as well as 1,341 business licenses (for business entities), the vast majority of these licensees are believed to be, or work within, small businesses.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  Yes. Licensees are required to retain records of continuing education.

• 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. Prerequisites for licensure and continuing education must be based on exact operational standards to ensure fairness and enforceability.
  

• 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?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  Yes. These regulations mandates education and work experience as a prerequisite to licensure as well as continuing education.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. As education and work experience prerequisites to licensure as well as continuing education are necessary to ensure plumbers and gas fitters are qualified to perform their work, its mandate will not deter formation of businesses.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  Yes. The requirement of education and experience prerequisites to licensure as well as continuing education may create business in the form of schools and other education providers.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. These regulations mandate equal requirements for all prospective and current licensees, they could not fairly reduce those requirements for any one sector of the industry.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. These regulations mandate equal requirements for all prospective and current licensees, they could not fairly reduce those requirements for any one sector of the industry.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. Prerequisites for licensure and continuing education must be based on exact operational standards to ensure fairness and enforceability.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. These regulations mandate equal requirements for all prospective and current licensees, they could not fairly reduce those requirements for any one sector of the industry.

Public Accountancy, Board of Registration in
252 CMR 2.00

NOTICE OF HEARING

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 13, § 34, M.G.L. c. 112, § 87A½, and c. 30A, § 2, the Board of Public Accountancy will hold a virtual public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Board’s regulations at 252 CMR 2.00, which establish qualification requirements for licensure as a certified public accountant. A small business impact statement has been filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office. 

The Board will hold this public hearing on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
By videoconference at:  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting,
Meeting ID: 219 350 920 627
Passcode: tv3B3Yf7
or call in to: (857) 327-9245
Phone Conference ID: 327 617 644#. 

Interested parties will be given an opportunity to present testimony orally or in writing at this hearing. 

Written comments may be emailed to accountingboard@mass.gov or mailed to:
The Board of Public Accountancy, Division of Occupational Licensure
One Federal Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Attention: Kerry Cassidy. 

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. 

A copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained at the Board’s website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-public-accountancy or by contacting the Board office directly at the above address or by phone: (617) 701-8635.

CMR No: 252 CMR 2.00
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:

  The Board of Public Accountancy currently licenses approximately 18,934 active CPAs and 792 CPA firms, many practicing as small businesses.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No, the regulation does not require a CPA or small businesses to create, file or issue additional reports.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No, the regulation does not require small businesses to implement additional recordkeeping procedures.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No, the amended regulation does not require small businesses to provide additional administrative oversight.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No, the amended regulation does not require small businesses to hire additional employees.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No, the amended regulation does not require small businesses 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 purchases of products or capital are needed to comply with the amended regulation.

• 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.)

  To ensure that certified public accountants are properly trained, specific educational and training criteria must be adopted by these regulations.
  

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No, the Board has exclusive authority over the licensing and regulation of CPAs.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections, or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  Yes, this section requires licensees who perform audits, including individual CPAs and licensed CPA firms, to submit to peer reviews once every three years.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No. The regulation requires individual CPAs to meet continuing education requirements, but does not require small businesses to provide these educational services to CPAs.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No, there is no part of the amended regulation that should deter the formation of CPA businesses in the Commonwealth.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  Yes, after certification, this regulation allows licensees to form businesses.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This section mandates peer review requirements for all licensees who perform audits, and it could not fairly reduce those requirements for certain businesses as one sector of the industry.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. This section mandates peer review requirements for all licensees who perform audits, and it could not fairly reduce those requirements for certain businesses as one sector of the industry.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  Yes. To ensure that certified public accountants are properly trained, specific educational and training criteria must be adopted by these regulations.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. Licensing qualifications and minimum practice standards must be established for CPAs pursuant to statute.