This week at the State House, Senator Patrick O’Connor testified before the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities in support of S.168, An Act to increase the safety of individuals with disabilities relying on life-support equipment, otherwise known as “Tommy’s Bill.” Senator O’Connor, the primary sponsor of this bill, filed this legislation earlier this year continuing his long-standing support of the disability community.
This legislation, named in memory of Tommy Shea, is designed to strengthen Massachusetts General Laws by requiring comprehensive discharge planning and medical device monitoring for individuals with disabilities in group homes. The legislation ensures that vulnerable residents receive consistent oversight and care when leaving hospitals and transitioning back into residential settings or the community.
Tommy’s mother Maureen Shea of Duxbury, who testified alongside Senator O’Connor today, is a driving force behind this legislation, turning her family’s tragedy into a mission to protect others. Her advocacy focuses on securing individuals with disabilities and their families to have a clear path to safe and well-supported lives. By sharing Tommy’s story, she has brought vital attention to the need for stronger discharge planning and medical oversight, working toward a cause in which no other family endures the same preventable loss.
Joining Maureen was Doreen Briggs, who also gave testimony in support of Tommy’s Bill. She knew and had worked with Tommy from the age of 7 until his tragic passing. Their friendship was impactful, and very special.
"How to maintain, how to operate, how to fix lifesaving equipment, that's a matter of life and death for some of our most vulnerable residents," said State Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R- Weymouth.) “This legislation represents the culmination of years of advocacy in the disability community and is also backed by families like the Sheas, whose story has become a motivation for change to prevent similar tragedies.”
Through this legislation, hospitals must provide detailed discharge plans that include instructions for any life-supporting equipment, scheduled follow-up care, and clear communication with residential facilities. A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse must review and sign off on each plan to confirm full understanding of the patient’s needs and communicate those requirements to caregivers, family members, and facility staff.
Following these guidelines, the Department of Public Health will oversee implementation, issue guidance, and conduct public awareness to make certain that families and providers are fully equipped to meet these protections.
For additional information about the bill or to learn how to support its passage, please contact Senator O’Connor’s office.
Senator O’Connor represents the First Plymouth and Norfolk district, which includes the towns of Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate, and Weymouth.