Massachusetts Announces New Safety Measures for Assisted Living Facilities

In response to the recent tragic fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts, the state announced new measures to enhance the safety of residents living in the state’s 273 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.”

The Gabriel House fire erupted on the evening of Sunday July 13. About 50 firefighters responded and were able to put out the fire by Monday morning and get inside and rescue numerous occupants. Ten residents died and at least 30 people were hurt as thick smoke and flames trapped residents inside. Many of those rescued were taken to hospitals. Five firefighters suffered injuries.

While the fire is still under investigation, officials have indicated that smoking or oxygen machine issues may have sparked the deadly blaze.

One resident of Gabriel House has filed a lawsuit alleging the facility was not properly managed, staffed or maintained. The injury law firm Morgan & Morgan said it has been retained by a family of someone who died in the fire.

Smoking or Oxygen Machine Eyed as Possible Cause of Deadly Fire at Assisted Living Home

Assisted living facilities have been looked at as essentially a residential option, offering older adults living quarters and some assistance but not as much help as nursing homes. Before the blaze, Gabriel House staff had raised concerns about conditions including staffing and low wages. Many of Gabriel House residents are low income and served by Medicaid. The building was formerly a motel.

Regulation is up to states as there are no federal regulations governing assisted living. Some advocates maintain that regulations have not kept up as more assisted living facilities have opened and the population they serve has changed to include seniors with increased needs.

“The regulations are minimal,” Liane Zeitz told The Associated Press. Zeitz is an attorney and a member of the state Assisted Living Residences Commission, a body created by lawmakers last year to make recommendations about the sector.

On July 21, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), the state agency tasked with ensuring ALRs are in compliance with state regulations, launched a statewide fire and life safety initiative to ensure all ALRs are prepared to protect residents during emergencies. These proactive measures build on existing work.

Deadly Massachusetts Fire Highlights Assisted-Living Regulation, Staffing

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

The state 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.

Also, ALRs must submit their disaster and emergency preparedness plans 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.

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

AGE said it issued detailed instructions to all assisted living residences on July 18 outlining the new requirements and timelines.

Gov. Healey also announced this week that the the state is sending Fall River $1.2 million to improve public safety and first responder staffing.

The owner of Gabriel House has said he is cooperating with investigations.

The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association supports the state ensuring that all facilities “meet the mandate to have adequate staffing at all times to meet the specific needs of its residents, including in emergency scenarios,” according to Brian Doherty, the organization’s CEO.

Doherty said state regulations require that ALRs develop individualized service plans for each resident and revise them as a resident’s needs evolve over time.

Photo: Boards cover the windows of the Gabriel House assisted living facility, where a fire on Sunday killed several people, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Fall River, Mass. (AP Photo/Kimberlee Kruesi)

Topics Massachusetts