Home Care Aide Council

08/07/2026

It is official, Governor Healey signed the Home Care Licensure Bill into law this afternoon. Here is the link to the press release.

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-bill-strengthening-safety-quality-and-oversight-of-home-care

This is the first step, We will continue to update you on how the process moves forward.

Thank you to Senator Pat Jehlen and Representative Tim Stanley for your steadfast support and work on this important law.

New law establishes state’s first-ever licensing system, adds protections for workers and consumers, and helps older adults safely age at home

07/31/2026

Late yesterday, July 30, Senator Jehlen and Representative Tom Stanley, Chairs of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, filed the Conference Committee Report on - H5627 - An Act to Improve Massachusetts Home Care - the home care licensure bill. And the House and Senate are expected to vote to approve it this afternoon.

Then the bill goes to the Governor to sign - she has to do so in 10 days.

Once the bill is signed then the work to develop regulations begins.

Together, Representative Stanley and Senator Jehlen have served as the lead supporters of this legislation and have worked tirelessly to ensure our state’s most vulnerable residents receive the care and support they need to live safely at home in their communities.

The Home Care Aide Council joins our colleagues - the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts and Mass Aging Access
in expressing our gratitude to the Conferees, and Senate and House leadership for advancing House Bill 5627 to establish home care licensure with vital oversight, accountability and standards for all home care agencies.

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07/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUUFfbdBC/

Today, we are witnessing on the federal level shameless violations of constitutional rights and the dehumanization of our family members, our neighbors, our classmates, and our coworkers with an intent to instigate division and hatred. Among those affected and targeted are our Haitian neighbors and friends throughout Massachusetts and , whose temporary status is being repealed by the federal administration. They have built their lives here, raised families, and enrich our community.

TPS for Haiti is set to expire this Monday, July 27; however, this end date may be pushed back due to pending litigation. The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants has a free virtual help desk for all TPS and holders and current/former EA recipients. Eligible individuals can request an online appointment to speak with an attorney through the helpdesk intake process to discuss any legal questions or concerns you may have. For any questions, email [email protected].

For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/legal-helpdesk

07/17/2026

S.3170, An Act to Improve Massachusetts Home Care passed the Senate on July 16. The bill passed the house late last year. And now the Senate and House will work to reconcile and differences between the two versions of the bills.

The bill was the result of years of work by a coalition that included left to right - Chelsea Gordon - Alzheimer's Associaion, Jake Krilovich - the Home Care Alliance of MA, Vicki Halal - Office of Senator Pat Jehlen, Jamie Willmuth - SEIU1199, Senator Pat Jehlen and Julie Watt Faqir - Home Care Aide Council.

Betsey Crimmins - Mass Aging Access also worked with the coalition but was unable to be at the Senate Session on July 16.

07/16/2026

Thank you Senator Pat Jehlen, and our coalition partners, the Home Care Alliance, Mass Aging Access and the Alzheimer's Association for all your work!

02/18/2026

Registration is now open for the FREE Online Advanced Skills Trainings we will be holding in March, brought to you by the Home Care Aide Council and the Executive Office of Aging & Independence.

The 2 1/2-hour Substance Misuse Training, open to ALL home care aides, will be offered on Thursday, March 12 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This training seeks to prepare aides to work with clients experiencing substance misuse issues.

The 12-hour Alzheimer’s training will be offered on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The training is open to ALL home care aides. THIS IS A TWO-DAY TRAINING.

Utilizing the Alzheimer's Association's materials, this course is designed to prepare aides to work with clients with Alzheimer's Disease or other Dementias.

The 2-hour Social Isolation Training which is open to ALL home care aides, will be offered on Monday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. This course is designed to prepare aides to serve clients who may be experiencing social isolation.

And, the 12-hour Mental/Behavioral Health Training, open to ALL aides, will be held on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. THIS IS A TWO-DAY TRAINING.

The training is a 12-hour training designed to prepare Home Health Aides to work with client populations facing mental and behavioral health challenges.

ALL COURSES ARE LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. PROVIDERS CAN ENROLL UP TO 5 PEOPLE PER TRAINING.

The deadline to register is Thursday, February 26, HOWEVER, registration will close automatically once the courses reach capacity and that may be before February 26.

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT [email protected]

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