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SD 2273

An Act relative to meeting human service demand by modernizing incentives for the direct care workforce

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 9 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill modernizes direct care worker compensation and benefits to reduce workforce shortages in home health and disability services.

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Bill Summary · SD 2273

Legislative bill overview

SD 2273 proposes modernizing compensation and incentive structures for direct care workers (home health aides, personal care attendants, nursing assistants) in Massachusetts' human services sector. The bill aims to address workforce shortages and high turnover in direct care positions through enhanced pay, benefits, and working condition improvements.

Why is this important

Direct care workers are essential to serving Massachusetts' aging population and people with disabilities, yet face chronic understaffing and burnout. Better compensation and incentives could reduce turnover, improve service quality and continuity, and make these critical positions more sustainable as career paths rather than transitional employment.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Enhanced wages and benefits increase state and provider budgets; question of whether state adequately funds increases or shifts burden to facilities/families
  • Service provider capacity: Smaller providers or rural agencies may struggle to absorb cost increases without service cuts or closures
  • Scope and standards: Disagreement over which worker categories qualify, what specific incentives are mandated vs. optional, and whether requirements are uniform across public/private sectors

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

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