This week, Governor Maura Healey, lawmakers and stakeholders attended a signing ceremony to celebrate the passage of the Massachusetts Economic Development Bill, H.5100, An Act relative to Strengthening Massachusetts’ Economic Leadership. The law authorizes the Governor to seek bonds totaling $4 billion to fund capital projects and programs throughout the Commonwealth. We are pleased to report that the law includes a provision authorizing $50 million to fund nursing facility capital improvements. Specifically, the section directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to work with the Massachusetts Senior Care Association to develop a forgivable, low or no-interest loan program that would support the establishment of specialized care units; develop innovative projects to better accommodate the individual needs of residents and enhance privacy, and address urgently needed capital improvements. The program would also make available funds to non-profit nursing facilities to acquire facilities incorporated as for-profit entities.
The Economic Development law also includes key workforce provisions, including authorizing admission of the Commonwealth into the Nurse Licensure Compact which is vital to continued efforts to address the nursing workforce shortage.
Mass Senior Care extends its appreciation to Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Chairman Rodrigues, Chairman Michlewitz, and the entire legislature for supporting nursing facility residents and their caregivers.