Mass Gov Protection & Patient Rights The Office of Patient Protection was created pursuant to Chapter 141 of the Acts of 2000 signed into law by Governor Cellucci on July 21, 2000. In Janaury 2001, the Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman, created by an Executive Order, became part of the Office of Patient Protection. Effective January 1, 2001, Massachusetts consumers and other individuals who receive health coverage from a Massachusetts carrier, insurer or HMO are entitled to new protections covering internal grievances, medical necessity guidelines, continuity of care and independent external reviews. click here Mass Gov Protection & Patient Rights