Under Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) was required to revise and amend the assisted living regulations. On July 10, 2026, AGE adopted revisions to 651 CMR 12:00 Certification Procedures and Standards for Assisted Living Residences (ALRs). Key changes from the draft regulations to the final regulations include:
- Development and updating of the Resident’s Service Plan must be completed by a registered nurse. In addition, before Basic Health Services are provided by the ALR, the resident must be assessed and evaluated by a registered nurse.
- An ALR may not charge a Resident a cancellation fee or a fee for services not provided due to the discontinuation of Basic Health Services.
- Clarification of specific training related to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
- Training requirements and clarification related to Transfer Assistive Devices, Mobility Assistive Devices and Lift Devices.
MSCA applauds Secretary Lipson, Executive Office of Aging and Independence for developing comprehensive regulations, which reflect a strong commitment to improving the quality of care and are consistent with Assisted Living Commission’s recommendations, of which Mass Senior Care was a member. The final regulations will be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and will take effect upon publication in the Massachusetts Register on July 31, 2026.