BOSTON – One year after the tragic fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River claimed the lives of ten residents and injured dozens more, Governor Maura Healey has announced the finalization of new safety regulations that will strengthen protections for older adults living in assisted living residences across Massachusetts.
Finalized by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence, the amendments are among the most significant changes to the assisted living regulations in oversight in years. They implement key recommendations from the Assisted Living Residences Commission, incorporate extensive public feedback, and establish stronger standards for fire safety, emergency preparedness, resident protections and accountability across the industry.
“The Gabriel House fire was a heartbreaking tragedy that forever changed the lives of so many families and the Fall River community,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with residents, families, firefighters, first responders, advocates and providers to make sure we learn from that tragedy and take meaningful action. These reforms will strengthen safety, improve emergency preparedness and give families greater confidence that their loved ones are living in safe, well-prepared communities.”…