This week, Governor Maura Healey signed into law the 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 (MSCA) 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. MSCA will continue to work with EOHHS on the program criteria and implementation, which we expect will be mid-2025.
Mass Senior Care extends its appreciation to Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Chairman Rodrigues and Chairman Michlewitz and the entire legislature for supporting nursing facility residents and their caregivers.