'Laura's Law' Bills Filed After Death Outside Somerville Hospital

SOMERVILLE, MA – Two bills filed after details emerged of Laura Levis's death outside Somerville Hospital aim to prevent another death like hers. Legislation filed by Sen. Pat Jehlen and Rep. Christine Barber, known as "Laura's Law," would that ensure patients have safe access to an emergency room at all times.

Details of Levis's 2016 death emerged last year in a Boston Globe Magazine story written by her husband, Peter DeMarco. Levis brought herself to the hospital in the midst of an asthma attack, found the door locked and called 911. She was found near the entrance to the ER about 10 minutes after placing the call and died seven days later.

The hospital has since improved access to the emergency room, communication between emergency services and hospital staff and education regarding defined responsibilities of those involved in patient treatment, a spokesperson for its parent organization told the Globe last year.

"Laura's Law" would require hospitals to adhere to regulations established by the department of public health to ensure safe patient access at all times to an emergency room or department. This could include indoor and outdoor signage and lighting, the security and monitoring of all emergency department access points, installation of panic buttons, emergency doorbells or active video-intercom systems and other safety measures.

A working group would be convened to develop regulations and potential penalties, according to the legislation.

A hearing has not yet been scheduled for the bills.

Previously: Somerville Hospital Leaders Admit Mistakes In Laura Levis's Death

Laura Levis Story Prompts Somerville Aldermen Order

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