Mass. commission to study continuing-care retirement communities outlines schedule, scope and report deadline

The Committee on Aging and Independence’s commission to study continuing-care retirement communities met virtually for an introductory session that set a monthly meeting schedule, a public hearing, and a final report deadline of Aug. 1, 2025.

The commission, which is charged by Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024, section 29, will study CCRCs’ contracts and consumer impacts, financial viability, entrance-fee payment and return practices, state oversight and enforcement, advertising practices, and regulatory procedures for closure or change of ownership, Jennifer LaRue, the committee researcher, told members.

“ So the commission is charged to study and report on CCRCs, their contracts and their impact on consumers, the financial viability of CCRCs, the payment and return of entrance fees … statutory and regulatory oversight of CCRCs … advertising practices … and regulatory procedures involving closure or change of ownership of CCRCs,” LaRue said.

Why it matters: The commission will produce recommendations, including proposed legislation or regulations, and must submit a report by Aug. 1, 2025. Members said the group intends to gather public input early and do at least one site visit to observe CCRCs in person.

At the meeting co-chair Senator Pat Jalen described CCRCs as an important part of the state’s long-term care continuum and said the commission should look for ways to expand quality options. “It really made their lives so much better, when … her husband developed dementia,” Jalen said, recounting how a family member benefited from remaining in the same community as her spouse.

Robin Lipson, who leads the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, said CCRCs generate both questions and complaints and urged the commission to consider clearer pathways for residents who need help. “We do get some complaints and some pretty, serious concerns from people who live in these communities, and it’s not really clear where they can or should turn when they have a problem,” Lipson said.

Members and designees who introduced themselves and signaled participation included Jessica Constantino of AARP Massachusetts; Jim Freleng, appointed by LeadingAge Massachusetts; Henry De Lima of SEIU Local 1199; Lorraine Kerman of the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts-New Hampshire chapter; and Val Frias, who identified themself as the Attorney General’s Office designee and deputy director of the elder justice unit in the health care fair competition bureau.

Logistics and workplan points noted at the meeting: - The commission will hold at least six meetings, aiming for a monthly cadence; it plans to meet twice in June to meet the August deadline. - The group will hold a public hearing and is considering scheduling it early in the process so that public testimony can shape the agenda. - Members will receive a survey asking them to submit three to five objectives and suggestions for site visits and outside presenters. - Staff or member contacts for attendance issues were named (Mark Phillips, Juliana Fernandez, Victoria Wall). - The commission is awaiting guidance from House counsel on required ethics training for members.

Definitions and topics the commission plans to use: LaRue reviewed the working definition for CCRCs the commission will use, noting CCRCs typically combine board and lodging with nursing or health-related services, may operate across multiple buildings under one organization, require an entrance fee (an initial or deferred transfer of money or property as consideration for residency), and normally have a life contract or a contract extending longer than one year. She also summarized the statutory rule that periodic fees for board, lodging or services are not considered entrance fees and that certain application charges (not exceeding four times periodic fees) are excluded from the entrance-fee definition.

The meeting was organizational and logistics-focused; there were no formal votes. Members discussed next steps — including circulating the workplan slides and scheduling the next meeting — and agreed staff would send the slide deck and the survey to members.

Next steps: Staff will send an agenda survey and slides to commission members, set the next meeting date, and work on scheduling an early public hearing and at least one site visit. The commission must deliver a final report with recommendations, and any proposed legislation or regulations, by Aug. 1, 2025.