Massachusetts News: Home Care Licensure Bill Signed Into Law

Massachusetts has established its first statewide licensing system for home care agencies. Gov. Maura Healey signed An Act to Improve Massachusetts Home Care (S.3170) on Aug. 7, following unanimous passage by the House and Senate in July.

The law puts the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) in charge of licensing, working with the Executive Office of Aging & Independence and the Department of Public Health. Agencies will need a state license to operate or advertise home care services, and EOHHS will have authority to inspect, investigate and enforce the law, including denying, suspending or revoking a license.

Licensed agencies will be required to:

• Conduct background checks on employees
• Meet state standards for worker safety and consumer protection
• Provide training on worker safety, abuse prevention and quality care
• Carry workers' compensation and liability insurance
• Meet operational, financial and ownership disclosure requirements set by the state

​Implementation timeline (per the enrolled bill; details will be finalized in regulation):

• Within 180 days of enactment: temporary licenses issued to Medicaid providers
• Within one year: EOHHS finalizes licensure regulations
• One year after regulations are finalized: all home care agencies must hold a license

​The law also creates a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council and a Home Care Worker and Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to guide implementation. It establishes a special commission to study family caregiving policy, including whether spouses could be paid caregivers through MassHealth, and a separate Long-Term Services and Supports Commission to examine options for financing long-term care.
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No agency action is required yet. Licensure will not take effect until EOHHS finalizes regulations, likely in mid-2027. Members should watch for EOHHS rulemaking notices and comment opportunities as the state builds out the licensing program. The enrolled bill text is available on the Massachusetts Legislature's bill history page for S.3170.