The proposed bill aims to establish a three-year pilot program in Massachusetts for screening celiac disease among 12-year-olds during routine cholesterol and lipid screenings conducted by health care providers. The program is designed to improve early detection of celiac disease, reduce long-term health consequences, and assist families in navigating a diagnosis. Health care providers can participate in the program at no additional cost and are required to collect relevant data for an annual report. The Department of Public Health will also provide educational materials and resources to support families affected by celiac disease.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Public Health engage with health care providers, insurers, and patient advocacy groups to ensure the program meets the needs of children diagnosed with celiac disease. The commissioner of public health is tasked with preparing an annual report that evaluates the program's effectiveness, analyzes cost savings, and includes recommendations for potential expansion of celiac disease screening in the state. The bill is declared an emergency law, emphasizing the urgency of its implementation for public health convenience.