Early in November, the Massachusetts House passed a bill that would create a licensing system for nonmedical home care agencies, establishing standards, background checks, mandatory training on infection control and dementia care, cost transparency, and protections for workers. They would also require disclosure of ownership interests and enabling state oversight, inspections, and penalties for violations.
If passed by the Senate, the legislation would become the latest in several health care-related laws focused on Massachusetts’ aging population and the shortage of caregivers. Two laws so far have increased oversight for long-term care facilities and hospitals.
The Boston Globe reported that there is currently no licensing for private, nonmedical home care agencies in the state, creating oversight gaps in a system serving older clients. Massachusetts relies on 24 regional aging services offices to support approximately 70,000 people receiving home care, with private agencies serving many more…