THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2026 Page 19 BHRC | FROM Page 16 workers by improving vital security protocols at hospitals and doctors’ offi ces across the state; help law enforcement make timely arrests for assaults at health care facilities; extend new supports to health care employees who are assaulted on the job; and shield victims’ personal information from assailants. A key section would establish that employees who suffer workplace violence are entitled to paid leave for any time spent seeking medical treatment and aiding in the prosecution of their attacker, without using any vacation, sick or personal time. “Every 36 minutes, a health care worker in Massachusetts is assaulted or threatened on the job,” said Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Senate sponsor of the legislation. “That is not [in] the job description, and it never should be a reality for any professional. The bill the Senate passed today is built on legislation I have fi led session after session on behalf of our nurses, our front-line caregivers and our hospitals. It requires every facility to assess its own risks with its own workers, build a real prevention program and ensure accountability. It gives an assaulted worker paid leave, privacy and a lawful response.” “No health care worker should ever be subjected to violence in the course of their duties, working long hours to selfl essly care for their patients,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (DWestport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It’s alarming that almost seven out of ten nurses have reported workplace violence, an unacceptable statistic that must end now. Our dedicated health care workers will now have updated workplace violence prevention programs and a stronger support system to ensure a safe and professional workplace environment.” “Health care workers show up every day to take care of us,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The least we can do is make sure they’re safe while they do it. Today we are giving hospitals and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent violence before it happens and respond quickly when it does, so our nurses, doctors and health care staff can focus on what they do best: caring for patients.” The House has already approved a diff erent version of the bill and a conference committee will likely be appointed to craft a compromise version. HOME CARE (S 3170) — The Senate on a voice vote, without a roll call, approved a proposal that supporters said would help older adults age in place at home by improving the home care industry that assists elders with basic care like cooking, dressing and bathing. A key provision would establish a licensure process, which would include fi ngerprinting and background checks for home care agencies to ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services, and that home care workers are protected. Massachusetts is currently among a handful of states that do not regulate home care agencies. Other provisions help connect people in need of care with a properly checked home care service by requiring the Executive Offi ce of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to share a list of verifi ed and licensed agencies on its website; creating a committee—the Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee—to advise EOHHS on new regulations and how to handle safety concerns for both consumers and home care workers; and creating a special commission to explore the idea of a possible state program which people would pay into and from which older and retired adults would receive long-term services or support. “Home care is such an important component to our overall system, allowing people to remain in their homes with dignity, and receive the care they need to maintain their daily lives,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By creating a licensure process, both the caregiver and the client benefi t, ensuring the best care for our residents, and increasing the level of integrity for the home care worker. This legislation closes a loophole that will now mandate that these important health care workers be under proper state regulations and oversight. These regulations will go a long way towards giving patients and their families a large measure of comfort and peace of mind.” “Everyone—consumers and workers—will be safer with home care licensure,” said Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), Senate chair of the Committee on Aging and Independence and the Senate sponsor of the legislation. “If you qualify for statepaid home care, the agency who sends you workers is required to train and supervise them and meet other standards. But if you’re private pay, you may have to fi nd someone in a hurry. There are a large and growing number of agencies, many for profi t. They can send care workers who would come into your home and help with grocery shopping and even intimate help with showering. We don’t even know how many such agencies there are. And they don’t have to meet any standards. The bill is supported by home care organizations, SEIU 1199 and consumer groups. Most of us will need long term care at some point, and many of us will fi nd it very hard to aff ord.” “As Massachusetts’ population ages, the demand for homecare is rising,” said Cari Medina, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Older adults and people with disabilities who receive care at home, and their families, deserve protection from fl y-bynight homecare operations that cut corners and mistreat workers to make a quick buck. BHRC | SEE Page 21 UMass Amherst announces spring 2026 Dean’s List T he following students were named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students are appointed to the Dean’s List at the end of a semester in which they have completed a minimum of 12 graded credits and have earned a grade point average of 3.500 or better. From Revere: Maximiliano Arredondo, Razan Sara Belguendouz, Zackaria Ali Benlail, Camila Echeverri, Kristina Marie Fagioli, Jonathan Graciano Fula, Abbes Yacine Ghiat, Julian Angelo Goglia, Esteban Andres Henao, Jiacheng Jason Li, Luz Juliana Marquez, Emanuelle Cristina Menezes, Jaeron Valera Mercado, Adam Emad Metawea, Srinidhi Mukundan, Anh Thy Thien Nguyen, Olivia Marie Osborne, Gia Laureen Polci, Saff a Shaheen Rashid, Karla Paola Leal Robles, Beatriz Santos, Adriana Nicole Velasco. The World’s First Hearing Aids With Touchscreen Controls. No tiny buttons. No apps. No prescriptions. 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