Massachusetts § 94A - Certification of non-hospitalized persons afflicted with active tuberculosis; examination; transportation; release
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 94A — Certification of non-hospitalized persons afflicted with active tuberculosis; examination; transportation; release, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 94A. Certification of non-hospitalized persons afflicted with active tuberculosis; examination; transportation; release
Section 94A. (a) The board of health of any city or town, or any member thereof, or two physicians licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth, may certify to the commissioner any non-hospitalized person who (1) is afflicted with active tuberculosis, (2) is unwilling or unable to accept proper medical treatment, and (3) is thereby a serious danger to the public health.
(b) On receipt of such certification the commissioner or his agent shall conduct or have conducted an examination of such person, and, if he concurs in the certification shall file a petition in the district court under section ninety-four C for the hospitalization of such person. If, however, such person refuses to submit to examination, the commissioner may order him to be hospitalized immediately at the tuberculosis treatment center, established under section ninety-four D for a fifteen-day observational period.
(c) If the commissioner or his agent concurs in the certification of the board of health, and finds that such person is in need of immediate hospitalization for the protection of the public health, he may order him to be hospitalized immediately at the tuberculosis treatment center for a fifteen-day emergency observational period.
(d) The commissioner or his agent may call on the police department of the city or town whose board of health certified such person, or the police department of the place where such person is present, to provide the transportation to the tuberculosis treatment center.
(e) If the patient is sent to the tuberculosis treatment center under this section, the superintendent thereof shall, at the expiration of fifteen days, either release the patient or file a petition with the district court under section ninety-four C. The patient may be detained at the center pending disposition of the petition.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 94A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 94A cover?
Section 94A ("Certification of non-hospitalized persons afflicted with active tuberculosis; examination; transportation; release") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 94A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 94A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 94A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.