Bill > H2366

This bill instructs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of transferring oversight of memory care units from the Department of Elder Affairs to the DPH. For the purposes of this legislation, a "memory care unit" is defined as an assisted living facility or unit specifically focused on treating Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, and other conditions causing permanent memory loss. The bill highlights current challenges in oversight, noting that among 224 assisted living facilities housing over 14,000 residents, there are only two statewide ombudsmen from the Department of Elder Affairs. By potentially redefining memory care units as medical units under DPH oversight, the bill aims to improve medical care and regulatory supervision for residents with memory-related conditions. The Department of Elder Affairs is required to provide all relevant information to DPH within 90 days of the legislation's passage, and DPH must complete and report its comprehensive study findings to the Governor, various legislative committees, and the public within two years. The underlying motivation is to ensure more appropriate and attentive care for individuals suffering from permanent memory loss by shifting oversight to a more medically-focused department.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2366