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December 31 2008...Heading into his eighth full term as the Senator from the Worcester & Norfolk District, Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, will take the oath of office on January 7, 2009, and begin with his old and new colleagues the 186th session of the Massachusetts General Court. The following is a summary of the ten most memorable accomplishments of both Sen. Moore and his colleagues in the Legislature during the 2007-2008 session:

“Health Care Reform II” – Chapter 305 of the Acts of 2007-2008 

The next phase of the Commonwealth’s two-year-old landmark health care reform, Chapter 305 provides a new package of initiatives aimed at bringing down escalating health care costs and creating greater access to primary care. Sen. Moore, who was one of the leading architects of the first Health Care Reform Act, once again served as an integral part of the team that made “Health Care Reform II” a reality. The legislation also promotes the modernization of the health care system to reduce waste and inefficiencies and improve quality care, through the adoption of electronic medical records and uniform billing among health care providers and insurance companies. Considering the entire legislative package, the law could save Massachusetts hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Nursing and Allied Health Trust Fund Passage

Leading one of the many facets of “Health Care Reform II”, Sen. Moore included the Nursing and Allied Health Trust Fund as part of the legislative package, which addresses shortages in the nursing profession. Initially, Governor Patrick vetoed half of the $2 million granted for the fund, which is part of the Massachusetts Nursing and Allied Health Workforce Development Initiative. After successfully blocking the Governor’s veto however, Sen. Moore and his colleagues in the Legislature were able to reinstate the original $2 million. The Trust fund will help to attract money from additional foundations, federal grants, and private supports that will reinvigorate the nursing profession, and help build the nursing workforce. Without the full funding that was ultimately granted, there would have been a reduction in the competitively-awarded Nurse of the Future grants to campus and practice partnerships in Massachusetts; a limited distribution of patient simulator mannequins to campuses and health care facilities; and a retardation of the extension of a coordinated, web-based system for clinical placements, which currently has the active engagement of 63 nursing programs and 75 health care facilities.

Release of Medical Malpractice Report

Beginning the opening salvo in the battle of medical malpractice reform in Massachusetts, Sen. Moore, in conjunction with emergency room physician Dr. Peter Smulowitz of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, released a report that investigates the shortcomings of the current system, and explores the possibility of a liability reform. The report also uncovers that Massachusetts currently ranks highest among states reporting medical malpractice insurance claims to a central state agency, with almost 20% of insurance payouts over $1 million. Sen. Moore began the malpractice reform crusade to ensure that anyone who may be injured by a health care provider is treated fairly and effectively, while also reducing pressure on providers that practice “defensive medicine,” which can result in millions of wasted dollars on tests and procedures that are unnecessary. Though Sen. Moore will continue to work towards malpractice reform, headway was made this year, as “Health Care Reform II” included a provision that the Massachusetts Division of Insurance conduct a full investigation and study of the costs of medical malpractice coverage for health care providers. 

Sen. Moore Elected as Vice President of the National Conference of State Legislatures 

After serving on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Executive Committee for the past six years, Sen. Moore was elected on July 28th as the Vice President of the organization—putting him on track to become NCSL’s 38th President by 2010. In addition to Sen. Moore’s election as Vice President, he currently serves as Co-Chairman of NCSL’s Task Force on Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness; Co-Chairman of NCSL’s Health Information Technology Champions Project (HITCh), and Co-Chairman of the Advisory Committee for NSCL’s Trust for Representative Democracy.

Building a Stronger Partnership with Local Government

Successful in bridging the gap between local municipalities and state government, Sen. Moore worked diligently this past session in holding local aid briefings with town officials and leaders, focusing on a variety of issues affecting the financial conditions of our communities and school districts. In March of 2008, when Sen. Moore and others foresaw a dire economic time ahead, he compiled a packet entitled: “The State of Local Aid: 2008,” which outlined the budget realities that all officials are facing, and strategies that can be developed to overcome them. In addition to the local aid meetings and local aid package compiled by Sen. Moore, his efforts were also extended towards securing local projects in the Worcester & Norfolk District. Some of these projects included funding for the Southbridge Armory—now the Southbridge Community Center; funding for Hopedale’s Draper Mill Reuse Committee, for the purpose of future development; funding through a “Community Development Block Grant” in Milford, to revitalize and boost economic and business development; and securing approval for a low interest loan in Webster and Southbridge, that will revamp sewerage and wastewater treatment plants to a higher environmental standard. In addition to these projects, Sen. Moore has also worked towards securing funds for libraries, schools, fire departments and police stations all across the district. Based on the high success rate of the strong partnership between Sen. Moore and local officials, he will continue to hold local aid briefings for the upcoming year, and will maintain his dedication to securing valuable, local projects. 

Massachusetts Ranks #1 Again in E-Prescribing Technology

Following its award in 2007 as the nation’s top “e-prescribing” state, Massachusetts was once again awarded in 2008 the Surescripts SafeRx Award, which recognizes the number one state in patient safety and practice efficiency, through the use of electronic prescribing technology. Since launching its program in 2004, Massachusetts has seen more than 10.8 million electronic prescriptions passed throughout its network. Safe Rx reported that 13.43 percent of prescriptions in 2007 were submitted electronically, and that there has been a 66 percent growth in e-prescribers. Sen. Moore, a staunch advocate of e-prescribing technology through his work as Co-Chairman of NCSL’s Health Information Technology Champions Project, presented the award to Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby in June of 2008.

Bernat Mill Relief Package 

Following a devastating fire at the Bernat Mill complex in Uxbridge, MA on July 21, 2007, Sen. Moore immediately began working with local officials in securing funds to cover the costs of damages as a result of the disaster. In total, the eight-alarm fire had destroyed more than 60 businesses, and also required the resources of 66 area fire departments. After campaigning strongly with the parties disaffected by the devastation, Sen. Moore was able to secure $577,000 in a supplemental budget to alleviate costs in public safety for Uxbridge and other communities involved, as well as lost property tax revenue and school department losses. Sen. Moore subsequently filed a bill that would provide disaster relief for small businesses and others affected by similar disasters.

High Recognition in Health Care Leadership

Leading health care reform and health care advocacy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for another successful term since becoming Senate Chairman of the Health Care Financing Committee in 2005, Sen. Moore was honored with three major awards this past year for his championing in health care advocacy. In February, the Department of Public Health honored Moore for his bold and effective leadership in reducing hospital acquired infections. The month of October was especially memorable for the Senator, as he was honored by the Massachusetts Medical Law Report under its newly created “Rx for Excellence Awards,” which recognizes individuals who have the best practices in medicine (Sen. Moore was the only legislator and elected official bestowed with the award). Additionally in October, he was recognized by the New England Health Institute for his work in the innovation, drafting, passage and implementation of the landmark Massachusetts Health Reform Law of 2006. Throughout the year, Sen. Moore worked tirelessly in advocating and educating residents about health care, ultimately leading him towards the reception of his three awards. Part of his advocacy included a health analysis fair held at Nichols College, which was compiled by Oxford High School senior Zachary Tsetsos. The report studied the causes of premature death and access to health care, and was co-sponsored by Fallon Community Health Plan and the Fallon Clinic.

Municipal GIC 

With the goal of potentially saving municipalities $120 million to $180 million a year in health costs, this local law for cities and towns—spearheaded by Sen. Moore—will allow them to buy their health insurance through the state insurance plan commonly known as the Group Insurance Commission (GIC). GIC rates are expected to rise just 5 percent this past year, compared to 11.3 percent for all other Massachusetts employers. Decisions to join the GIC will require about 70 percent approval from a municipality’s union employees and retirees.

United Health Foundation Report

In a report issued by the United Health Foundation, Massachusetts ranked first in the nation for most insured individuals for health care—continuing proof that health care reform has had its success in the Commonwealth. In addition to this statistic, Massachusetts was also ranked first in the lowest amount of occupational fatalities, and first for the amount of primary care physicians available (189.1 per 100,000 persons). Incidents of infectious disease have also decreased from 20.9 to 14.6 cases per 100,000 population, and the rates of deaths from cardiovascular disease have dropped from 388.4 to 253.7 deaths per 100,000 population since 1990. Perhaps most encouraging and significant is the decline of smokers in the Commonwealth: since 1990, smoking has decreased from 28.2 percent to 16.4 percent of the population. 

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