Mass. Senate approves pandemic flu prep bill

The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed a pandemic flu preparation bill that has languished in the Legislature before the recent swine flu outbreak.

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The 36-0 vote today sends the measure to the House. Both branches have taken it up in past years, but have not been able to agree on the details. The new Senate version would allow the public health commissioner — in a public health emergency — to close or evacuate buildings, enter private property for investigations, and quarantine individuals. More...