Letter to the Editor: Regarding home medical care licensure

To the Editor,

As a certified home health professional, I see every day how much trust families place in the caregivers who enter their homes. Often, we are meeting for the first time at a moment when an older adult or a person with disabilities needs support the most. That level of trust deserves strong, consistent protection.

Right now, in Massachusetts, non-medical home care agencies are not required to be licensed. Many families are surprised to learn that there is no statewide standard for background checks, training, insurance coverage, or even a clear place to turn if concerns arise. For a field that plays such a vital role in helping people remain safely at home, this gap leaves both clients and caregivers vulnerable.

Legislation that has already passed the House and is now before the Senate would create a licensure system for home care agencies. This would not affect family caregivers, neighbors, or informal helpers. It applies only to agencies operating as businesses—those responsible for hiring, placing, and supervising caregivers in private homes.

Licensure will not solve every challenge in home care, but it will establish a much-needed baseline of accountability and transparency. Families deserve to know what standards an agency meets. Caregivers deserve clear expectations and support. And the people we serve deserve the assurance that their safety is protected.

As more Massachusetts residents rely on care delivered at home, the need for consistent statewide standards becomes even more urgent. This legislation is a practical, reasonable step toward ensuring that safety and accountability grow alongside demand.

Richard Pascarelli

South Shore Health Systems, Director of Revenue Cycle - Business Operations