Public Hearing Notice  Notice of public hearing

The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (“DPPC”) will hold a remote public hearing on June 4, 2021 at 10 a.m., to receive comments with regard to the proposed amendments, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19C, § 3(b), (i), and M.G.L. c. 30A, to the following regulations: 118 CMR 1.00 through 15.00: Disabled Persons Protection Commission. The DPPC is proposing amendments to its regulations, Title 118, in order to incorporate the requirements of Chapter 19 of the Acts of 2020, An Act to Protect Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities from Abuse. The proposed amendments include: (a) defining “registrable abuse,” “care provider,” and “employer”; (b) detailing the appellate process for individuals who have been substantiated for registrable abuse; (c) outlining the vetting process to be utilized by the Department of Developmental Services or an employer for the hiring and retention of care providers; and (d) describing the DPPC’s audit, compliance, and reporting processes. The DPPC has also proposed various other administrative amendments designed to streamline and clarify its regulations.

Any person interested in commenting on this matter may provide written comments by submitting them electronically to Andrew Levrault, Deputy General Counsel, at: Andrew.Levrault@mass.gov. Please submit electronic comments as an attached Microsoft Word or .pdf document, or within the body of an email with “118 CMR Proposed Amendments” in the subject line. All submissions must include the sender’s full name and address.  The DPPC may post electronic comments that comply with these instructions on its website. Individuals who are unable to submit electronic comments should mail submissions to: Andrew Levrault, Deputy General Counsel, Disabled Persons Protection Commission, 300 Granite Street, Suite 404, Braintree, MA 02184. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on June 4, 2021.

Copies of the proposed amendments are available online at:

• DPPC: 118 CMR, Amendments for Chapter 19 of the Acts of 2020 For Notice and Comment (PDF) | (DOCX)

Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency, the DPPC is holding this hearing remotely. Please contact the DPPC at least 10 days in advance of the hearing date if you wish to request a sign language or other interpreter. Details and instructions for participating and testifying remotely can found online at the DPPC’s website www.mass.gov/dppc or the following link: www.eventbrite.com/e/hearing-on-amendments-to-118-cmr-to-incorporate-abuser-registry-tickets-147816786989.

Contact

• Email: Andrew.Levrault@mass.gov
• Phone: (617) 727-6465