The "Quality Self-Directed Supports Act of 2026" aims to enhance the self-directed supports program for adults with developmental disabilities by establishing a new chapter, CHAPTER 22.2, within Title 40.1 of the General Laws. This chapter defines key terms and outlines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, including the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, and the director overseeing self-directed direct support professionals (DSPs).

The bill emphasizes participants' rights to control their services, including the authority to hire, supervise, discipline, and terminate direct support professionals, as well as to establish work schedules and approve hours worked. It establishes wage ranges for DSPs, ensuring that participants can choose wages within the applicable range set by the director. The legislation integrates collective bargaining rights for DSPs, aiming to improve service access, expand training opportunities, and enhance recruitment and retention of support professionals.

The act maintains the authority of the director in managing the program and enforcing existing regulations while preserving participants' rights to direct their services. Key provisions include ensuring that collective bargaining agreements do not reduce Medicaid funding or self-directed personal care services and requiring any additional funding needs to go through the annual budget process. The act includes a severability clause and is set to take effect upon passage.