Directory of Massachusetts agencies, organizations and coalitions
Organizations across the state are working to make health care safer in Massachusetts. Below is a list of agencies, nonprofits, and coalitions that focus on health care access, quality, and safety in the Commonwealth.
Attorney General
The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The office also plays an advocacy role in areas such as consumer protection, combating fraud and corruption, and protecting civil rights. Phone: 617-727-2200.
Board of Registration in Medicine
State agency responsible for licensing and regulating physicians and acupuncturists. Physician profiles are available on its website. Phone: 781-876-8200.
Board of Registration in Nursing
State agency responsible for licensing and regulating nursing education and practice. Receives and investigates complaints concerning the conduct and practice of nurses. Phone: 617-973-0800.
Board of Registration in Pharmacy
State agency responsible for the licensing and regulation of the practice of pharmacists and the operation of pharmacies. Receives and investigates complaints about pharmacists and pharmacies. Phone: 800-414-0168.
Department of Mental Health
Provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. Phone: 800-221-0053.
The Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification at DPH is responsible for the licensing of health care facilities. Receives and investigates complaints against health care facilities including concerns related to abuse and neglect of patients. For public reports and regulatory information and guidance, please see the Serious Reportable Events section of the DPH website. Phone: 617-753-8000.
Health Care For All
Successfully advocated for the first-ever Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) law, which requires all Massachusetts hospitals to establish groups of patients and family members to work with the hospital on improving care and the care experience. Email: pfac@hcfama.org
Health Connector
Massachusetts's health insurance marketplace where individuals, families, and small businesses can shop for a health insurance plan to meet their needs and budget. Phone: 877-MA-ENROLL (877-623-6765) or TTY 1-877-623-7773 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled.
Health Policy Commission
Independent state agency that develops policy to reduce health care cost growth and improve the quality of patient care, including fostering health care payment reforms that aim to reward quality care, improve health outcomes and more efficiently spend health care dollars. Phone: 617-979-1400.
Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors
Joint initiative of public and private agencies, health care providers and insurers with a goal of improving patient safety and reducing medical errors. Serves in an advisory capacity to the Betsy Lehman Center. Phone: 781-262-6080.
Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA)
Voluntary nonprofit organization representing hospitals and health systems. Promotes quality health care through public advocacy and educational programs. Phone: 781-272-8000.
Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS)
Professional organization for Massachusetts physicians. Promotes high standards of medical care and provides education, training and research. Phone: 781-893-4610.
Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)
Professional organization and union for Massachusetts Nurses. Fosters high standards of nursing practice through advocacy and education. Phone: 781-821-4625.
MassHealth
For qualified individuals, provides financial support and access to integrated health care services that sustainably promote health, well-being, independence and quality of life. Phone: 800-841-2900; TTY: 800-497-4648. Disability Special Accommodations Ombudsman. Phone: 617-847-3468.
Medically Induced Trauma Support Services (MITSS)
Provides assistance to patients, families and medical personnel who have been affected by medical harm. Phone: 888-36-MITSS.
Office of Patient Protection (OPP)
Assists consumers who receive health coverage from a Massachusetts insurer or HMO to understand their rights with the health carrier. Provides guidance on issues such as internal grievances, appeals of benefit denials, medical necessity guidelines and independent external reviews. Phone: 800-436-7757.
State Senators and Representatives by City and Town
A public searchable database of all state senators and representatives by geography. Phone: 617-722-2000 (Main State House).