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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. 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AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month.
Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!
AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter here.
" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris
The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care.
After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” Read the letter here.
AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”
If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to ma@aarp.org. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.
This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the AARP Massachusetts page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. A conference committee will"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7b50b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5113x3287+0+63/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F1f%2Fbf%2F5e72c41fc81d0b71c5dc1aa6fbd5%2Fistock-479392998.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House" name="description"/> <meta content="Long, Term, Care, Reform, Step, Closer, Becoming, Law" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/long-term-care-reform-is-a-step-closer-to-becoming-law-ma-2024-07-24.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Massachusetts Senate passed a nursing home reform bill Thursday, July 25th. The Massachusetts House passed a bill last year. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline"> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/24/24 by <b>Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed a reform package. The House did so last year. The Senate did so last week. A conference committee is now hashing out the differences. That work needs to completed by the time the formal legislative session ends at the end of the month. <br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/aarp-pushes-for-nursing-home-reform-bill-on-beacon-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Time's Up. Tell Your Elected Leaders to Pass These Bills Before It's Too Late!</i></b></a></span></span></p><p><br>AARP Massachusetts sent members of the conference committee a letter pressing them to get the work done by the deadline. Read the letter <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/11/d5/c10c07b347539c1ebe60fcd39d77/aarp-letter-conference-committee-hb4193-senate-amendment-2900-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-072924.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">here.</a></span></span><br><br>" It is critical that Massachusetts passes into law, this session, a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. It is time to hold nursing homes and other long-term care facilities accountable for providing safe environments and high-quality care for residents" wrote AARP Massachusetts State Director Jennifer Benson and State President Sandra Harris<br><br><br>The reforms would strengthen regulations, require infection outbreak response plans, and address staffing issues with a career ladder and grant program. The bill would also beef up fines for abuse and neglect of patients. Read the bill here: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/h4178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Bill No. 4178 - An Act To Improve Quality And Oversight Of Long-Term Care</a></span></span>.<br><br>After the Massachusetts House passed the bill, AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to representatives thanking them for their work. Then AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa and AARP State President Sandra Harris wrote: “We laud you for delivering a comprehensive, commonsense bill that puts the safety and well-being of nursing home and other long-term care facility residents first. AARP will continue to fight to make sure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality, care and if passed into law, this bill would help address the known shortfalls in the system.” <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ce/56/bda6fcbc46c2bd8e17abe3b6d398/aarp-thank-you-letter-hb4178-an-act-to-improve-quality-and-oversight-of-long-term-care-111623-003.pdf" target="New Window/Tab">Read the letter here</a></span></span>.<br><br>AARP believes the pandemic highlighted the need for reform in nursing homes. In testimony supporting the bill, AARP wrote “COVID-19 exposed the chronic, ongoing issues in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. Nursing homes continue to face underlying problems, like infection control, understaffing, and overcrowding that leave residents vulnerable. What happened in the Bay State’s nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through the pandemic is an unacceptable tragedy.”<br><br><br>If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span>. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/getinvolved.</a></span></span><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade43c7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da75ade51db-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da75ade51db-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title> Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law</title> <meta name="page_title" content=" Long Term Care Reform is a Step Closer to Becoming Law"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP supports the long-term care reform package that is currently on Beacon Hill. 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