Rep. Thomas M. Stanley led on bill to bolster protections for seniors and workers

The Massachusetts House overwhelmingly approved legislation last month to create a first-ever state licensure system for non-medical home care agencies, a measure aimed at strengthening protections for older adults and the workers who care for them.

State Rep. Thomas M. Stanley, D-Waltham, House chair of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, led the effort on the bill, titled “An Act to Improve Massachusetts Home Care.” The measure passed the House on a 153-1 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Among its major provisions, the bill:

• Directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to license home care agencies, investigate complaints, and impose fines when appropriate.
• Requires agencies to disclose the name and contact information of anyone with at least a 5 percent ownership interest and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.
• Mandates workers’ compensation and liability insurance and adequate equipment and supplies for home care workers.
• Establishes standards for consumer-specific service plans, contracts, and quality metrics for agency performance.
• Creates a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council and a Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to recommend safeguards against abuse and bullying.​
• Sets minimum training and competency requirements, including infection control, emergencies, abuse reporting, and dementia-informed care.
• Extends anti-discrimination protections for personal care attendants.​

“This legislation could not have been passed at a more critical time,” Stanley said in a statement, noting the state’s rapidly growing older population and shrinking pool of family caregivers. “It is critical for the Commonwealth to have strong standards and protections in place so that consumers receive safe, high-quality care in their homes and the home care workers who support them are properly trained, respected, and protected on the job.”