Health Care

A sweeping package of reforms that supporters said will fix broken elements of the state's health care system while saving consumers money passed the Senate after a 33-6 vote at midnight Thursday.

The announcement was always planned for Nov. 1, once the hospital got past the launch and implementation of its new Epic system, a $650-million electronic medical records platform.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has begun its Community Leadership Institute, which includes 22 emerging leaders.

The Massachusetts House passed a bill guaranteeing free access to birth control for women in the Bay State by a wide margin Tuesday.

A bill that would guarantee copay-free coverage for birth control in Massachusetts earned initial approval in the House Wednesday morning will likely to advance to the Senate.

Debate beginning Wednesday could bring the topic back to the Senate floor.

Mount Wachusetts Community College in Gardner has hired Peter Laitinen to oversee its new Paramedic Technology Certificate program after a years-long search.

Officials at the Massachusetts Health Connector are touting a new online platform to help small businesses manage health plan costs.

Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester along with Milford Regional Medical Center, Harrington Memorial Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center received “A” grades on a semiannual safety grade report.

Worcester-based Spectrum Health Systems is now accepting Vermont Medicaid at its North Adams outpatient treatment center.