Assisted living safety: Gov. Healey promises immediate action after commission report

After the Gabriel House fire that killed 10 residents, the Assisted Living Residences Commission unanimously approved its final report. Gov. Maura Healey announced she will begin implementing most of the report's regulatory and administrative recommendations and the commission also urged legislative action.

The Assisted Living Residences Commission met and unanimously approved its final report on policies for assisted living safety. The panel delayed its recommendations after the Gabriel House fire in July, which killed 10 residents, to gather additional expert and public input. Since that event, the commission met 16 times, held two public hearings, and incorporated feedback from residents, families, industry experts and first responders. Gov. Maura Healey announced immediate steps to begin implementing most of the report's regulatory and administrative recommendations. Key facts: - The Gabriel House fire in July killed 10 residents, prompting a broader review of assisted living policies. - The commission unanimously approved a final report after multiple meetings and public hearings. - Gov. Healey said she will begin implementing most regulatory and administrative recommendations from the report. - The commission recommended further legislative measures, including a dedicated funding mechanism for oversight, authorization for certified medication aides in assisted living, and a statewide registry for executive directors. Summary: The report aims to strengthen building safety, transparency, emergency preparedness, staffing and consumer protections in assisted living residences and calls for both regulatory action and new legislation. Gov. Healey has announced immediate implementation of most administrative and regulatory recommendations, while legislative measures recommended by the commission remain to be considered by the legislature.