Press Release  Governor Healey Announces Immediate Measures to Enhance Safety in Assisted Living Residences

Boston — In response to the tragic fire at Gabriel House in Fall River on Monday, Governor Maura Healey today announced immediate steps to enhance the safety of residents living in Assisted Living Residences (ALRs). 

“What happened in Fall River is a horrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and to the first responders who saved so many others,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is a moment to make sure that every Assisted Living Residence is prepared to respond to emergencies and to protect the safety of their residents.”

Beginning Monday, July 21, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), the state agency tasked with ensuring ALRs are in compliance with state regulations, will launch a statewide Fire and Life Safety Initiative to ensure all 273 ALRs in Massachusetts are prepared to protect residents during emergencies. These proactive measures build on existing work and reflect the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and partnership with providers, municipalities and families.

As part of the initiative, all ALRs must issue a letter to residents and families within five business days outlining fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures and key points of contact for questions or concerns. Additionally, ALRs are instructed to ensure evacuation instructions and exit routes are posted inside each resident’s unit and in common areas.

Furthermore, AGE will distribute a fire safety assessment survey that all ALRs must complete and return within 30 calendar days, reaffirming compliance with fire safety requirements such as sprinkler systems, fire drills, evacuation protocols and maintenance of fire-rated doors and walls. Providers will also report the age and key systems within their buildings to help prioritize oversight.

Finally, ALRs must also submit their current, site-specific Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plan to AGE within 30 calendar days, concurrent with the Fire Safety Self-Assessment Survey.

“We are engaging every assisted living provider in this process. By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center – today and every day,” said Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “Our entire team is committed to strengthening emergency readiness and improving standards across the assisted living sector in Massachusetts.”

“These immediate actions underscore our administration’s commitment to protecting our vulnerable populations. We are working closely with providers, local officials and families to put safety first and provide the peace of mind that residents deserve,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. “This coordinated response is about ensuring every building has the resources, knowledge and support they need to keep residents safe in the event of an emergency.”

ALRs in Massachusetts are subject to existing safety requirements under 651 CMR 12, including certification and recertification, compliance with building and fire codes, written emergency preparedness plans, staff training, and coordination with municipal emergency services.

AGE is also in the process of finalizing proposed amendments to strengthen regulatory requirements for ALRs. These proposed updates predate the Gabriel House fire but will be reevaluated in that context to ensure they meet current safety expectations.

AGE will issue detailed instructions to all Assisted Living Residences on Friday, July 18, outlining these new requirements and timelines.

Statements of Support:

Brian Doherty, President and CEO, Massachusetts Assisted Living Association:
“We are deeply saddened by the recent heartbreaking tragedy that has resulted in the loss of life, injuries, and displacement of residents from the fire that occurred at Gabriel House in Fall River, MA. Our condolences and sympathies are with the residents, families, and staff members who have been affected during this incredibly difficult time. Mass-ALA is committed to learning from the findings of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s investigation and actions to prevent another tragedy like the fire and loss of life that happened in Fall River. We will follow-up with assisted living professionals to assist them in responding to the requests from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence for assisted living residences to communicate safety protocols to residents and their families, complete a fire assessment survey, and submit emergency preparedness plans.”

Elissa Sherman, President, LeadingAge:
“The safety and well-being of residents are always the top priority of our member communities.  LeadingAge Massachusetts and our members are committed to working with AGE and others, to learn from this tragedy and ensure that every older adult in assisted living is safe and supported.”

Tara Gregorio, President, Mass Senior Care Association:
“We at Mass Senior Care are heartbroken by the tragic fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River, which has led to such profound loss of life and numerous injuries. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with all the residents, their families, and the dedicated staff who have been so deeply affected by this devastating event. As the investigation continues, Mass Senior Care commends Governor Healey and Secretary Lipson for their decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Commonwealth's older adults. Their call for a Fire and Life Safety Review in our Assisted Living Residences is a critical initiative, and our ALR members are fully committed to this partnership, moving swiftly to submit all required plans and ensuring transparent, immediate communication with our residents and their families. The safety and well-being of those in our care is our highest, shared priority, and we stand with the Administration to ensure every resident is protected." 

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