Health Care Proxy Informational Video

This video addresses basic information about Health Care Proxies in Massachusetts and their importance. This video is informational and should not be considered legal advice. The details contained in a Health Care Proxy and using one can be complicated subjects and you should reach out to an attorney if you have any questions. You can find a MassNAELA Member in your area by clicking on the ‘Find An Elder Law Attorney’ above.

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Estate Recovery for MassHealth Members

In an effort to create better public awareness around this important topic, MassNAELA has created a dedicated webpage containing several links to helpful videos and information. Click the link below to learn more.

Estate Recovery Page

 

Special Needs Toolkit

The Special Needs Steering Committee of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is excited to announce the completion and release of the Special Needs Advocacy Toolkit – 2nd Edition.  The Toolkit was written for the non-attorney, but is an excellent general resource for all attorneys, their clients, potential clients, and the special needs community in general. The Toolkit addresses general advocacy goals; education, medical and financial advocacy; medical insurance; state and federal services; and housing.  The Toolkit also has an extensive list of resources that is broken down into legal assistance, advocacy organizations and government agencies. To access an electronic copy of the Toolkit click the link below.

MassNAELA Special Needs Advocacy Toolkit -2nd Edition

 

Elder Law Education Guide

The Elder Law Education Guide was initially developed to serve as a tool to assist those who have important planning issues and health care questions, and has now evolved as an important tool for attorneys, allied health care professionals and agencies. The guide is developed by experienced elder law attorneys who are members of both the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) and the Massachusetts chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA). In addition to creating the guide volunteer attorneys present the guide at multiple locations throughout Massachusetts. If your organization is interested in hosting a presentation please feel free to contact Clarence Richardson at Clarence@MassNAELA.com. To access an electronic copy of the guide click the link below.

2024 Elder Law Education Guide – 15th Edition

 

Just Say “No” To Arbitration

A new federal regulation clarifies that nursing homes cannot require applicants or residents to agree to mandatory arbitration as condition of admission or continued stay. The regulation requires nursing homes to inform residents or their representatives that they do not need to sign an arbitration agreement and further, allows for a 30 day rescission period. The Long Term Residents Rights Work Group of MassNAELA has produced a brochure to educate the public about this topic and a copy of the brochure can be obtained by clicking on the link below. Hard copies of the brochure are available from MassNAELA and will be available at upcoming events. Please contact Clarence Richardson at Clarence@MassNAELA.com if you would like to obtain hard copies or have questions.

Just Say “No” To Arbitration Brochure

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources

MassNAELA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s (DEI Committee) was created in July of 2020 in support of MassNAELA’s commitment to “more tightly align our advocacy with what this country should be doing to put a stop to all healthcare, educational and societal inequities and disparities.” The DEI Committee established three principles/goals:

  1. Increase and diversify our community outreach to diverse audiences and communities;
  2. Expand membership representation to reflect diverse audiences and communities; and
  3. Develop programs and training reflective of the chapter’s commitment to supporting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Click Here to view the DEI Resources Page

 

Consumer issues regarding Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, or CCRCs

MassNAELA is working to improve transparency in Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, and CCRCs; and increase protection of consumers and residents. If you are interested in sharing your story, or becoming more involved in this effort, you can contact the MassNAELA Executive Director, Clarence Richardson, Esq., at Clarence@MassNAELA.com. Any initial communication with Clarence will be confidential and will not commit any person to share their story publicly.

 

For Lawyers

Click here to access information about lawyer well-being.

 

Remote Notarization in Massachusetts

Please use the link below to view MassNAELA’s and other organization’s resources regarding the current and former law.

Remote Notarization Page

Pro Bono Legal Services Resource List

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is pleased to provide access to a Resource List to refer clients who need help but cannot afford a private attorney. The Resource List is a project of the Volunteer Lawyers Project. The list is maintained on a regular basis and consists of the following sections (Updated January, 2024):
Section 1: lists general civil legal programs (Click Here)
Section 2: lists programs that handle specific legal topics (Click Here)
Section 3: lists agency and non-legal referrals (Click Here)
To access the list full unabridged guide (including the table of contents, CLICK HERE.