By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Boston, MA) Governor Charlie Baker has extended emergency measures related to COVID-19 protocols to allow for expansion of open meeting law measures, permits for outdoor dining, and billing of COVID-19 related care. The expansion of these measures is meant to ease the commonwealth back into the new normal when the Governor’s emergency order ends. Until September 1, 2021 municipalities will be permitted to continue to hold virtual meetings without a quorum as long as the public has access to the electronic virtual meetings. Through November 29, 2021 municipalities will be permitted to continue to allow expedited process for special outdoor dining and liquor permits. Until January 1, 2022 care providers will be prohibited from billing patients for COVID-19 care in excess of the amount paid by insurance companies in both emergency and non emergency settings.