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Bill

Bill

HD 5618

A communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (see Section 111 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Working Group implementation plan

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Executive Office submits Personal Care Attendant Working Group implementation plan addressing workforce and care delivery system strategies for home-based care services.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 5618

Legislative bill overview

This bill transmits to the Massachusetts Legislature an implementation plan from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services regarding recommendations from a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Working Group. The working group was mandated by Section 111 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025 to develop strategies addressing the PCA workforce and care delivery system. The submission constitutes a formal reporting requirement rather than substantive legislation proposing new laws.

Why is this important

Personal care attendants provide critical support to elderly, disabled, and chronically ill individuals, enabling them to remain in home and community settings rather than institutional care. Massachusetts faces significant workforce shortages in this sector, affecting service availability and quality of life for vulnerable populations. The implementation plan likely addresses recruitment, retention, compensation, training standards, and program sustainability—issues with direct budgetary and human services implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanisms: Implementation recommendations may require substantial state expenditures or propose funding models that affect other budget priorities or employer obligations
  • Labor standards vs. program sustainability: Balancing improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for PCAs against concerns about program affordability and service accessibility
  • Scope of services and eligibility: Disagreement over which populations qualify for PCA services and what tasks fall within the scope of care, affecting both costs and access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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