The proposed bill aims to establish the Assisted Living Residences Trust Fund in Massachusetts, which will be administered by the Secretary of Aging and Independence. This fund will be financed through various sources, including certification application and renewal fees, fines, civil penalties, and other revenues directed to the fund. The fund's purpose is to support staffing, compliance reviews, investigations, and oversight enhancements related to assisted living residences. Additionally, any unexpended balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year will remain available for future expenditures and will not revert to the General Fund.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a task force to study and recommend improvements for access to affordable assisted living residences. The task force will consist of various state officials and representatives from relevant organizations, and it will focus on defining affordable assisted living, assessing service needs, and evaluating financing models. The task force is required to meet at least five times and hold a public hearing, with a report of its findings due by December 31, 2027. The bill also amends existing laws to include assisted living residences in certain regulatory frameworks, ensuring they are subject to the same oversight as long-term care facilities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 19D-4, 111-72W