The bill establishes a task force in Massachusetts to assess the viability and sustainability of long-term care facilities, with a report due by July 31, 2025. The task force will evaluate factors such as the demand for long-term care, geographic accessibility, staffing challenges, and payor rates, while also considering the costs of facility construction and maintenance. It aims to build upon the work of existing groups to ensure adequate funding, improve care quality, and address workforce challenges. The bill emphasizes the importance of community-based services and the need for additional financing options, particularly given the reliance on MassHealth for funding.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions to address staffing challenges, including data on facility closures and their impact on care availability. It emphasizes workforce initiatives to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, particularly RNs and CNAs, and outlines training programs to enhance direct care worker skills. The bill also proposes regulatory changes to ensure adequate compensation for Rest Homes, including adjustments to reimbursement rates based on actual care costs and immediate rate relief for mandated changes. Furthermore, it defines Assisted Living Residences and introduces methodologies for tracking spending in care facilities to improve financial accountability and enhance the quality of care provided to residents.