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Legislative Update – Representative Dawne Shand

A message from MA State Representative Dawne Shand

A Salisbury resident recently asked me to talk about long-term care reform. She told me about her mother's heart-wrenching experience, which many families recognize. On November 15th, the House voted on a reform package to make better investments in their workforce and provide stronger oversight. H.4178 takes a comprehensive approach to reforming the long-term care industry, taking crucial steps to enhance the quality of care to residents, ensure accountability of nursing home operators, and improve staff recruitment and retention. This bill responds to the remaining needs highlighted in the 2020 Nursing Facility Task Force report and builds upon these recommendations by advancing several key policies. As Chair Tom Stanley said, “Building upon past successes and allocations, including significant funding for caregiver shortages and nursing home rate increases, this bill marks a pivotal step in the ongoing enhancement of long-term care in the Commonwealth. It is our collective effort to ensure the highest standards of care and access for all individuals in need of long-term care services." The pandemic exacerbated the struggles of our long-term care industry, and this bill will not only improve those conditions but also help the industry prepare for other trying times. Thank you to Representative Stanley and Representative Lipper-Garabedian for leading the effort. It will make a difference to families in the First Essex.

Please follow me on Facebook (DawneShandFirstEssex) or Instagram (@repshand) so you can engage with the work my office does.

Representative Dawne Shand

First Essex District

Amesbury – Newburyport – Merrimac—Salisbury

Dawne.shand@mahouse.gov

(617) 722-2000 x6317

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