Greater Worcester

Lawmakers rushed a hospital oversight bill to Gov. Maura Healey on Monday, agreeing on policy responses to the Steward Health Care crisis that aim to better regulate private equity firms and stiffen penalties for entities that fail to submit required information.

Some reports have suggested task force members -- who stretch across a range of professional backgrounds and industry interests -- have been split over how far their recommendations to the governor should go.

Top Democrats needed a few extra months to reach agreements on major laws this session, but wrapped up business for the term with almost a day to spare and New Year's Eve plans intact.  

The MNA has filed a sixth round of complaints to state and federal regulators regarding Saint Vincent Hospital.

This sale represents AAM 15’s first hotel purchase in Central Massachusetts.

Rep. John Lawn of Watertown and Sen. Cindy Friedman of Arlington said the bills represent the Legislature's response to the ongoing fallout from the collapse of Steward Health Care and the ever-increasing health care costs consumers face.

The former Hope Lodge at 7 Oak St. in Worcester is set to see a new life as student housing, following a $950,000-purchase by an Oxford-based firm.

Franchi Brothers first opened for business in 1936 and is in its third generation of family ownership.

Thursday's action included three bills newly advanced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Gov. Maura Healey has signed the addiction and substance use disorder bill that expands access to overdose reversal drugs, establishes licensure for recovery coaches, and limits legal liability for drug users and harm reduction workers who use drug-testing equipment.