MassachusettsH 5627194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to improve Massachusetts home care

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger protections against home care abuse

The law creates an advisory committee on abuse of home care workers, personal care attendants, and consumers. The state sets minimum standards to prevent and respond to abuse, including training, worker supports, privacy, incident reporting, safe workplaces, and emergency plans. The committee meets at least monthly for the first 6 months and files an initial report within 6 months.

Two commissions on caregiving and long-term care

A legislative commission studies family caregiving statewide, including whether spouses can be paid MassHealth caregivers. It consults state health agencies and reports recommendations by July 1, 2027. A second commission studies a statewide long‑term services and supports benefit, reviews prior actuarial work, and looks at coverage, enrollment, costs, and workforce needs in line with MassHealth. It must identify state funding sources for any added costs and submit findings and proposed legislation within 2 years of the law’s effective date.

Anti-discrimination rules for personal care attendants

The law makes certain discriminatory conduct by a consumer toward a personal care attendant unlawful under state anti‑discrimination law. This gives personal care attendants clearer civil rights protections in the home care setting.

New licensing rules for home care agencies

Home care agencies must get a state license before offering or marketing services. Licenses last 3 years, cannot be transferred, and can be suspended or revoked; fines can reach $500 per day. Agencies must run background checks (including out‑of‑state checks from the past 5 years and driving records if they transport clients), carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance, follow wage and hour laws, train staff, keep safety and emergency plans, and report complaints. They must give each consumer a written service plan and contract that lists services (including subcontracted work), the unit rate and total cost, and any fees or deposits. The state checks ownership and finances, reviews ownership changes with advance notice to consumers and workers, investigates complaints, and posts a public list of licensed agencies. Timeline: the oversight council starts within 60 days; temporary licenses issue within 180 days for agencies already contracted with an aging services access point or MassHealth; final rules come within 1 year; and all providers must be licensed by a date set no later than 1 year after those rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Home Care
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Adam J. Scanlon
Democratic • House
Adrian C. Madaro
Democratic • House
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Democratic • House
Amy Mah Sangiolo
Democratic • House
Brian W. Murray
Democratic • House
Bruce J. Ayers
Democratic • House
Bud L. Williams
Democratic • House
Carlos González
Democratic • House
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
Democratic • House
Christopher J. Worrell
Democratic • House
Chynah Tyler
Democratic • House
Danillo A. Sena
Democratic • House
David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf
Democratic • House
Dennis C. Gallagher
Democratic • House
Erika Uyterhoeven
Democratic • House
Estela A. Reyes
Democratic • House
Jack Patrick Lewis
Democratic • House
James Arciero
Democratic • House
James B. Eldridge
Democratic • Senate
James C. Arena-DeRosa
Democratic • House
Jason M. Lewis
Democratic • Senate
Jessica Ann Giannino
Democratic • House
Jr. Joseph W. McGonagle
Democratic • House
Kevin G. Honan
Democratic • House
Kristin E. Kassner
Democratic • House
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Democratic • House
Manny Cruz
Democratic • House
Mark D. Sylvia
Democratic • House
Mary S. Keefe
Democratic • House
Michael D. Brady
Democratic • Senate
Michael P. Kushmerek
Democratic • House
Michelle M. DuBois
Democratic • House
Natalie M. Higgins
Democratic • House
Patricia D. Jehlen
Democratic • Senate
Paul K. Frost
Republican • House
Paul McMurtry
Democratic • House
Rebecca L. Rausch
Democratic • Senate
Rita A. Mendes
Democratic • House
Rodney M. Elliott
Democratic • House
Russell E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Samantha Montaño
Democratic • House
Sean Garballey
Democratic • House
Susannah M. Whipps
Independent • House
Tackey Chan
Democratic • House
Thomas M. Stanley
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 314 • No: 0

House vote • 7/31/2026

Committee of conference report accepted

Yes: 157 • No: 0