Story perspectives

Massachusetts expands nursing-home oversight; Goldstein targets RegalCare licenses

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 11:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Massachusetts Public Health Council approved regulations expanding nursing-home oversight.
The rules give the Department of Public Health authority to review ownership suitability.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein announced intent to revoke the 12 Massachusetts licenses held by RegalCare CEO Eli Mirlis.
Nurse aides must be CPR-certified and naloxone-trained by Jan. 1, 2027 for new hires and Oct. 1, 2027 for existing staff.

History

Historical Context

In the 1970s concerns about nursing-home quality led to a 1986 Institute of Medicine study that found inadequate care. Its recommendations became the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act, included in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 signed by President Ronald Reagan, which funded $1.5 billion for inspections of about 15,000 facilities. Massachusetts’ 2024 oversight expansion uses that framework to assess ownership and staff qualifications.

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Story summary

Massachusetts Public Health Council approved regulations expanding nursing-home oversight.
The rules give the Department of Public Health authority to review ownership suitability.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein announced intent to revoke the 12 Massachusetts licenses held by RegalCare CEO Eli Mirlis.
Nurse aides must be CPR-certified and naloxone-trained by Jan. 1, 2027 for new hires and Oct. 1, 2027 for existing staff.

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