LYNN — Local state legislators are voicing their support for a long-term health-care bill that recently passed both chambers of the legislature and now awaits approval from Gov. Maura Healey.
An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care is a comprehensive bill that includes protections for LGBTQ+ residents and enhanced oversight abilities for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. It would also develop a capital fund to help recruit and retain certified workers to the long-term-care field.
The bill would additionally require long-term-care facilities to develop disease-outbreak response plans and remain in consistent communication with the Department of Public Health.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton said he is proud the legislature is taking action to ensure residents get the care they need.
“By improving oversight and access to health services, this comprehensive legislation prioritizes quality, dignity, and equity in long-term care and strengthens Massachusetts’ position as a leader in health care,” Crighton said.
The bill would specifically require long-term care facilities to train their staff on the rights and care of LGBTQ+ older adults and those living with HIV. It would also explicitly forbid any long-term care facility or its staff from discriminating based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or intersex or HIV status.
State Rep. Dan Cahill said the legislation is a testament to the legislature’s commitment to “dignity and respect for every individual.
“This groundbreaking law not only addresses the immediate needs of our aging population, but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and compassionate care system for generations to come,” Cahill said.
The legislation would also give the Executive Office of Elder Affairs new powers to penalize non-compliance by allowing it to fine assisted-living residences up to $500 per day of non-compliance, in addition to the office’s existing powers to modify, suspend, or revoke a certification and to deny a recertification.
The bill would also strengthen oversight by adding whistleblower protections for staff and residents who report anything happening at an assisted-living residence that they reasonably believe is a threat to the health or safety of staff or residents.
State Rep. Jenny Armini said long-term-care oversight is vital for the safety of seniors.
“We need a skilled and supported workforce to serve this growing caseload,” Armini said. “This bill helps get us there.”
The legislation would also establish a task force to study and propose recommendations to address acute-care hospitals’ challenges and the impact of persistent delays in discharging patients from acute- to post-acute-care settings. The task force would examine hospital-discharge planning, case-management practices, and administrative, legal, and regulatory barriers to discharge, among other challenges.
State Rep. Peter Capano called the legislation a “huge step forward.”
“I look forward to the positive impact that this will have in improving the quality of care that our loved ones receive,” he added.
The full text of An Act to improve Quality and Oversight of Long-term Care can be found on the legislature’s website at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H5033 .
