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Massachusetts

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Description of Program and Relief

Expanding the Capacity of Assisted Living Residences

In order to provide care to all patients and residents, the Department of Health has taken measures to expand the capacity of assisted living residences (ALRs) that are certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. These measures include the following:

Nurses employed by an ALR may provide skilled nursing care in accordance with valid medical orders, provided the nurse is licensed to do so. Also, the prohibition on retaining residents who require skilled care for more than 90 consecutive days has been suspended.

To ensure sufficient staffing, certain training requirements have been waived, provided ALRs procure staff with adequate experience and provide on-the-job training to safely carry out their duties.

These changes are effective April 2, 2020 and will remain until rescinded by the Department of Public Health or until the Governor’s declared State of Emergency is terminated, whichever occurs first.

Government or Lead Agency

Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Department of Public Health

Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

None in addition to those mentioned above.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

Not applicable

List of Additional Information

The order issued by the Department of Public Health effecting this change can be found here.

The guidance issued by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs regarding implementation of the order can be found here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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