Amendment ID: S2889-53-R2

2nd Redraft Amendment 53

Taskforce on Long Term Care Facilities in the Commonwealth

Messrs. Tarr, Keenan, Moore, Collins, O'Connor, Fattman and Durant move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 22 the following section:-

SECTION 22A. (a) There shall be a taskforce to review the viability and sustainability of long-term care facilities in the commonwealth.

(b) The taskforce shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of elder affairs or a designee; commissioner of public health or a designee; 4 persons to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall represent long-term care facilities, 1 of whom shall operate an assisted living residence, 1 member representing residents of long-term care facilities in the commonwealth. and 1 of whom shall be health care economist;  a representative of LeadingAge Massachusetts, Inc., a representative of 1199SEIU; a representative of Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes, Inc.; a representative of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, Inc; and a representative of Massachusetts Senior Care Association.

In making appointments, the governor shall, to the maximum extent feasible, ensure that the task force represents a broad distribution of diverse perspectives and geographic regions.

(c) In making recommendations, the task force shall consider issues including, but not limited to: (i) the demand for long-term care facilities over the next 5 and 10 years and the ability to meet that demand in a cost-effective manner; (ii) the geographic accessibility of such facilities; iii) staffing challenges and workforce initiatives to support such facilities including but not limited to childcare; (iv) the utilization of pharmacists and other health care providers in long-term care; (v) any  policy reforms to strengthen long-term care in the commonwealth including but not limited to, maintaining quality of care; (vii) the adequacy of payor rates; (viii) costs and impacts of financing for facility construction and maintenance, including but not limited to, private equity and real estate investment trusts; and (ix) costs associated with transportation options to and from facilities for individuals.

(d) The task force shall submit its report, recommendations and any proposed legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on elder affairs and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than July 31, 2025.”