This important topic was not a DignityMA Study Session, but this post attempts to be a compilation of current information on the topic. CMS has released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that would implement a minimum staffing standard in nursing homes. DignityMA is following this top closely, and will continue to provide opinions. […]
Category: Worker Support
(Scroll down to read DignityMA testimony for this proposal.) The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued proposed amendments to regulations for long term care facilities and other providers aligning the flu and COVID-19 vaccine requirements for personnel, eliminating the mandate that all personnel be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine. Under the proposed amendments, personnel will […]
June 19, 2023 Dignity Alliance MA supports increasing the payment for PCA’s to at least $25 per hour. 45 individuals and organizations have endorsed the following letter to Governor Healey, asking her to implement this increase immediately. Letter to Governor Healey Dear Governor Healey, On behalf of the membership of the Dignity Alliance of Massachusetts, […]
Join the DignityMA Resolution for Sufficient Nursing Home Staffing Thursday, June 15, 2023 marks the annual observance of WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY,which was launched more than a decade ago by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. Dignity Alliance Massachusetts expresses concern that […]
Why Is This Happening? (Podcast and transcript)May 31, 2023 Every day in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65, according to the UN Population Division. We are about to have the largest older population ever. At the same time, nearly 4 million babies are born every year, leaving many Americans juggling caring for young children […]
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Most Sweeping Set of Executive Actions to Improve Care in History Scroll down to see the reactions Disability Scoop, the AARP and the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD). The White House, April 18, 2023 Today, President Biden will announce the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has ever […]
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PCA Rally for Increased Wages
On March 1, PCA from 1199 SEIU union, consumers, advocates and legislators gathered at the union headquarters. After reminding everyone why it is so important for PCAs to earn more money, everyone marched to the new sculpture on Boston Common, the Embrace. Following that, the protest moved to the governor’s office at the State House. […]
AARP Quarterly, Stakeholders Meeting, 16 February 2023 Download the Updates from EOEA (pdf). Topics include: PHCAST (Personal and Home Care Aid Skills Training) Expanded Training PHCAST New Website at MAHomeCareTraining.org PHCAST Marketing Campaign EOEA Branding and Promotion Project Information on End of Federal Extra SNAP Information on MassHealth Redetermination MassHealth Update on Medicare Savings Program
by Henry Kuczinski Daily Hampshire Gazette, December 26, 2022 BOSTON — Governor-elect Maura Healey said she will “absolutely” work with advocates and labor representatives to strengthen Massachusetts’ Personal Care Attendant Program by addressing a “crisis-level” workforce shortage. The MassHealth program provides funds for individuals with chronic disabilities to hire attendants for in-home care. This allows […]
6/10/22 DignityMA response to CMS Request for Information (RFI) to support National Minimum Staffing Standard. Inadequate staffing is the primary driver of poor health outcomes in nursing homes, and CMS has promised to propose a minimum staffing standard within one year. The RFI follows the Biden Administration’s February 28, 2022 proposal of significant nursing home […]