Staffing agencies must be either licensed as employment agencies or registered as placement agencies by the Department of Labor Standards in order to conduct business in the state, regardless of whether or not the agency has a physical office within state borders, in accordance with the Employment Agency Law, M.G.L. c. 140, §§46B.
On August 7, 2012, Governor Deval L. Patrick signed the Temporary Workers Right to Know bill into law (“TWRTKL”). The effective date of this law, which amended Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 159C, was January 31, 2013. DLS administers the TWRTKL, while the Office of the Attorney General is the enforcing entity. DLS will be promulgating regulations to implement the TWRTKL which will further spell out the obligations of staffing agencies. To understand the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards’ regulation of staffing agencies, please read our frequently asked questions below.
Staffing Agencies FAQs
To understand the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards’ regulation of staffing agencies, please read our frequently asked questions.
Employment Agency Law, M.G.L. c. 140, §§46A-46R
Temporary Workers Right to Know Law, M.G.L. c. 149, §159C
Initial License and Registration Application
Renewal License and Registration Application
Registered Placement Agency List 
Licensed Employment Agency List
Notice of Temporary Workers’ Rights under the TWRTK
Responsibility for Keeping Temporary Workers Safe
Information for Staffing Agencies Regarding the Temporary Workers Right to Know Law (brochure)