By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that supporters say will “take a comprehensive approach towards reforming the long-term care industry by supporting and expanding the workforce, enhancing oversight of facilities and ensuring greater access, all while prioritizing quality of care.”

Rep. Tom Stanley (D-Waltham), House chair of the Committee on Elder Affairs, said “the comprehensive measure is a major step toward enhancing the standards and care within the long-term care industry.”

“Building upon past successes and allocations, including significant funding for caregiver shortages and nursing home rate increases, this bill marks a pivotal step in the ongoing enhancement of long-term care in the commonwealth,” continued Stanley. “It is our collective effort to ensure the highest standards of care and access for all individuals in need of long-term care services.”

“The nursing home sector has long faced workforce and financial challenges that have only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Addressing persistent challenges within this important sector will not only improve the quality of care that residents receive, it will increase capacity and help acute care hospitals more efficiently discharge patients to the appropriate post-acute care setting.”

Mariano continued, “Building off of key investments in the industry in recent budgets, this comprehensive legislation takes the necessary steps to ensure that the commonwealth’s nursing homes, and the patients that they care for, are supported.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes