Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Holds Hearing on Public Health, Safety, and Training

(BOSTON) – The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, chaired by Representative Thomas Stanley (D-Waltham) and Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), held a hearing Tuesday, June 24th, on proposals to improve safety for older adults, strengthen workforce and training requirements, and better prepare Massachusetts to meet the needs of an aging population.

The Committee heard testimony on legislation to prevent elder abuse, improve access to dental care, support family visitation rights, and ensure fair reimbursement for nursing homes participating in MassHealth Senior Care Options. Several bills focused on improving dementia care through enhanced training for first responders, better care coordination, and stronger discharge planning requirements in hospitals. Additional proposals aim to improve emergency preparedness for older adults and people with disabilities and explore the need for senior-specific shelters in Massachusetts.

“This hearing focused on policies that don’t just treat problems after they happen but strengthen the structures that keep older adults safe and healthy,” said Representative Stanley. “From preventing abuse to improving dementia care and emergency response, these bills are about building systems that meet real needs and strengthen how we care for one another.”

“Though older adults are as vibrant a sector of the population as any, they can also number among the most vulnerable,” said Senator Jehlen. “Many bills included in this hearing ensure that we have the best tools available to help our family members, friends, or neighbors avoid undue threats or suffering.”

“This hearing focused on elder abuse and mistreatment, and it became clear that the gaps in our systems have allowed, and at times exacerbated, the inequities within,” said House Vice Chair Samantha Montaño (D – Boston). “Our elders are a vulnerable population, often dependent on tenuous financial stability and the medical assistance of others. These are individuals who have already served or are serving our Commonwealth. It is for this reason I am heartbroken to hear of the personal struggles and experiences many elders are facing.”

Among the bills discussed were:

H788/S467: An Act ensuring senior care organization quality and accountability would require MassHealth Senior Care Options (SCO) programs to reimburse nursing homes at no less than the Medicaid fee-for-service rates under 101 CMR 206. Reimbursements must include room and board and all applicable rate add-ons to maintain access to critical services and support timely transitions from hospitals to nursing facilities.

H775: An Act establishing a commission on aging disabled adults would establish a special commission to study the needs, challenges, and service gaps facing aging adults with disabilities in Massachusetts.

H772: An Act establishing a commission to study the financial abuse of elders would create a commission to analyze and develop policy solutions to prevent financial exploitation of older adults across the Commonwealth.

H787: An Act establishing a special commission to investigate and study the feasibility of dedicated senior shelters in Massachusetts would establish a commission to assess the need for, and feasibility of, senior-specific shelters in Massachusetts. The commission would evaluate current services and propose recommendations to meet the unique housing and support needs of homeless older adults.

H756: An Act increasing the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens would increase the maximum penalty for consumer protection violations targeting seniors or individuals with disabilities to $2,500. Establishes a new abuse prevention fund to support outreach materials and educational seminars on predatory marketing practices.

H786/S466: An Act protecting vulnerable elders from abuse would expand protections for at-risk elders, including those in correctional or state-run facilities. Strengthens whistleblower protections, mandates cooperation among state agencies, grants AGE greater authority to inspect facilities, and requires annual public reporting on elder abuse and agency responses.

S490: An Act relative to family visitation with a vulnerable adult would allow courts to intervene when a family caregiver unreasonably blocks visitation with a frail elder. Courts could order reasonable visitation upon petition by another family member.

H757: An Act relative to mandatory reporting of elder abuse would establish mandatory reporting requirements for elder abuse and neglect. Reports must be made orally and in writing within 48 hours. Includes civil/criminal liability protections for good-faith reporters and mandates training for key professionals, including health care providers, elder care workers, and clergy.

H758: An Act relative to providing dental care to senior citizens would require MassHealth and the Division of Insurance to ensure dental coverage for residents aged 65 and older, aligning MassHealth Essential plan benefits with those of Basic plans.

H796/S481: An Act to establish the Office of Older Adult Advocate would create an independent Office of the Older Adult Advocate to investigate complaints, recommend policy improvements, and coordinate services to ensure the safety and well-being of older adults in state care.

S468/H769: An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia would implement a statewide strategy to address Alzheimer’s and dementia by creating a Director of Dementia Care and Coordination, requiring specialized training for first responders, improving care coordination in MassHealth programs, enhancing hospital discharge planning, and increasing public awareness.

S491: An Act to improve resilience in older adults and people with disabilities during public health, environmental or technological emergencies would require local councils on aging and housing authorities to create inventories identifying older adults and individuals with disabilities who may require essential services during emergencies. The inventories would document needs and facilitate rapid response efforts.

A full recording of the hearing is available online: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5154