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Bill

SD 1406

An Act authorizing the Executive office of Health and Human Services to establish a direct care worker medication administration program registry

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Liz Miranda

Massachusetts bill authorizes EOHHS to create registry of direct care workers trained to administer medications, expanding non-licensed caregiver scope to address nursing shortages in community care settings.

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Bill Summary · SD 1406

Legislative bill overview

SD 1406 authorizes Massachusetts' Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to create a registry system for direct care workers who are trained and certified to administer medications. This would expand the scope of practice for certain caregiving staff, allowing them to perform medication administration tasks traditionally limited to licensed nurses in settings like group homes, day programs, and community-based facilities.

Why is this important

Direct care workers—including personal care attendants and support staff—comprise a significant portion of the long-term care and disability services workforce in Massachusetts. Expanding their medication administration authority could address chronic nursing shortages in community-based settings, potentially improve care continuity for vulnerable populations, and reduce reliance on more expensive licensed nursing services.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety concerns: Critics may worry about medication errors, adverse drug interactions, or inadequate clinical judgment when tasks are delegated to unlicensed personnel, even with training and registry oversight
  • Labor vs. liability balance: Questions about whether the registry system includes adequate accountability mechanisms, liability protections, and what happens when errors occur
  • Scope of medications and settings: Uncertainty about which medication types (controlled substances, injectables, etc.) and care settings would be included, and whether restrictions are appropriate

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

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