September 30, 2026 Presenters: John Ford, Esq. Liane Zeitz, Esq., Kathleen Moncata, Esq. Massachusetts has implemented some of the most significant regulations regarding Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) in years. From enhanced consumer protection standards under Chapter 93A to critical safety mandates, fire preparedness, and the integration of Basic Health Services, these regulatory changes directly impact […]
Category: Study Session
September 16, 2026 Presenters: Grace Ferguson, Investigating Reporter at The New Beford Light in conversation with DignityMA Co-Founder, former State Senator Richard Moore Grace Ferguson reports on nursing home care, housing, and transportation for The New Bedford Light. She graduated from Boston University and recently completed a fellowship reporting on police accountability for WBUR. She […]
May 13, 2026 Presenter: Wynn Gerhard, Esq, Guardian Community Trust and the Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute Topics covered:
April 10, 2026 Presented by Pat Baker, Senior Economic Justice Advocate, Mass Law Reform Institute This 1 hour webinar covered the July 2025 cuts to SNAP benefits as a result of the GOP”s “Big Beautiful Bill” – including eligibility cuts to legal immigrants, imposition of work rules on persons age 55- 65, additional verification burdens […]
April 1, 2026: A Tutorial in the Use of Artificial Intelligence Applications by Advocates Presented: James Lomastro, PhD, Chair , DignityMA FacilitiesWorkgroup and Coordinating Committee Member What AI does for advocates: This session will review basic concepts and techniques appropriate for any skill level. Download the slide deck: Using AI as an Advocacy Tool (pptx) […]
Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center Long Term Care Community Connection (LTCCC)Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.Presented by Richard Mollot, Executive Director, LTCCC The Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center created and managed by the Long-Term Care Community Coalition’s “NursingHome411” platform) serves as a central hub for data, advocacy tools, and regulatory updates focused on […]
Understanding and Using Nursing Home Staffing Data to Improve Care January 9, 2026 at 1 p.m. Presented by Richard J. Mollot, LTCCC Executive Director Sufficient nursing staffing is the foundation of safe, dignified care. It is also required by federal law. Despite this, too many facilities understaff to cut costs. Richard will discuss this new […]
November 20, 2025Presenters: Attorney Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker, Center for Public Representation Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker are the lead counsel for the plaintiffs. Stephen reviewed the progress since the case was settled in June 2024. Marsters v. Healey is a lawsuit filed by seven individuals with disabilities living in nursing facilities and […]
December 5, 2025 Presenter: Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the bipartisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition Bob discussed the current state of aging policy at the national level under the new Congress and Administration. This presentation focused on key shifts in aging policy, identified emerging challenges, and outlined advocacy opportunities that will protect and shape services […]
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 […]