The Arc of Massachusetts’ Nicky’s Law Expansion bill is currently before the House Ways and Means Committee. With just weeks left in the legislative session, we need your help to show our community’s strong support for this critical legislation that closes a gap in protections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in Massachusetts.
The abuse registry, created by Nicky’s Law in 2020, helps keep people safe by preventing anyone with substantiated findings of abuse from being hired to work with individuals with IDD and ASD. It is a crucial safeguard, covering people receiving services licensed through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
However, a gap remains. People receiving services in MassHealth Day Habilitation programs are not currently protected by the abuse registry.
H243 closes this gap by expanding the registry to include MassHealth Day Habilitation programs. It also makes important updates to the enabling statute for the Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, which runs the registry. This ensures that the same protections apply across all settings, strengthening safety and accountability.
Please take a moment to urge your State Representative to encourage their colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee to prioritize and advance this bill.
