Gov. Healey Signs Long-Term Care Reforms Into Law

Reforms are coming to the long-term care industry in Massachusetts. After the Massachusetts House & Seante passed the reform package last week, Governor Healey signed the bill into law Friday.

The reforms will strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The law also regulates the role private equity firms play in the industry. You can read the bill here.

AARP Massachusetts sent Governor Healey a letter urging her to sign the bill as soon as possible. Read the letter here:

"It is critical you sign into law, as soon as possible, this comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents." wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris.

AARP applauded the legislators for taking action.

“Today’s passage of long-term care reform will improve the lives of people living in nursing homes and other long-term care settings," said State Director Benson. “We’re thankful the legislature acted. We know this was a priority and we’re grateful for the extraordinary steps the House and Senate took to get this bill passed. The Bay State’s population is aging. We need to prepare. This legislation helps plan for that."

AARP has been fighting for changes in the long-term care industry in Massachusetts for years. The pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes.

In testimony supporting the bill, AARP Massachusetts State President Harris wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”

If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to ma@aarp.org. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.