Section 59: Recognizes Special Needs of Children

Notwithstanding any special or general law to the contrary, in implementing this act, the executive office of health and human services, the department of public health, the division of health care finance and policy, the division of insurance, the group insurance commission and any other relevant governmental entities or commissions may consider the special needs of children and of pediatric patients. In developing or utilizing data standards, quality measurement systems, wellness initiatives or making comparisons of costs and prices, policymakers shall consider the special needs of children and of pediatric patients and may require that comparative data and reports segregate pediatric patients and providers from adult patients and providers.

Summary

Directs relevant policymaking agencies to consider the special needs of children and pediatric patients when developing and utilizing data standards, quality measurement systems, wellness initiatives, or making comparisons of costs and prices. Policymakers may require that comparative data and reports related to pediatric patients and providers be segregated from adult patients and providers.