Media Release Calls for Executive Action and Legislation to promote cooling for older adults and people with disabilities As another heat wave with temperatures in the nineties begins this week, Dignity Alliance Massachusetts is calling on state government to protect older adults and people with disabilities from the dangers of extreme heat. In a letter […]
Category: Policy
Globe Reports on Assisted Living Residences Commission July 23, 2025: Boston Globe: Fall River fire prompts reconsideration of how Mass. regulates assisted living by Jason Laughlin and Kay Lazar. “The blaze at Gabriel House, which killed 10 people and sent around 30 to hospitals, is prompting a state commission to address questions raised by the […]
June 5, 2025 This DignityMA Study Session reviews the Trump Administration’s coordinated attack on disability rights, through the issuance of executive orders that eliminate legal claims and disability rights, rescind disability regulations, and challenge important disability precedents. Steven discussed strategies to oppose these efforts, particularly in light of the drastic reduction in civil rights enforcement […]
Thank you to the American Association of People with Disabilities for this article. Since taking office, President Trump has taken several actions attacking diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (often called “DEIA” or “DEI”) in the federal government. AAPD has put together this resource to provide an overview of what DEIA is, why DEIA efforts are essential for […]
Senior Care Policy Brief: Overbilling and Killing? Long Term Care Community CoalitionOctober 31, 2024 Overbilling and Killing? An Examination of the Skilled Nursing Industry is a new study on the extent to which some nursing homes manipulate the reimbursement system to maximize profits and the impact of these practices on both patient safety and the […]
Report to Congress, May 2024 AGING IN THE UNITED STATES: A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORKFOR A NATIONAL PLAN ON AGING by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Health Aging and Age-friendly Communities, chaired by the Administration for Community Living The four domains of the strategic framework are: Age-Friendly Communities; Coordinated Housing and Support Services; Increased Access to Long-Term […]
On May 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule implementing a minimum staffing standard in nursing homes. The rule will require that nursing homes have a registered nurse on-site 24 hours per day, seven days per week, meet modest minimum staffing requirements, use evidence-based, data-driven methods when determining […]
Biden administration finalizes controversial minimum staffing mandate at nursing homes CNNApril 22, 2024By Tami Luhby Nursing Home Staffing Mandate Finalized: Balancing Quality Care and Workforce Shortages The Biden administration has finalized the first-ever federal minimum staffing rule for nursing homes. This controversial mandate aims to address chronic understaffing and improve resident care but faces concerns […]
The Dignity Dozen The Legislative Work Group has released their initial list of 13 bills supported by Dignity Alliance Massachusetts. These bills will improve the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. DignityMA has also endorsed a number of legislative proposals sponsored by other organizations. Read this initial document (pdf) to learn […]
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts urges the Commonwealth to put aside the current proposal to construct a 235-bed, congregate care facility and, instead, follow the Veterans Administration’s Small House Model Design Guide to create resident-centered communities focused on the needs and preferences of veterans. The Small House Model provides exceptional rehabilitative and hospice care and chronic disease […]