BOSTON (AP) — Two Massachusetts congressmen are proposing an overhaul of federal safety standards at homes for veterans across the nation in response to the deaths of 76 veterans who contracted the coronavirus at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
The Holyoke Veteran’s Act introduced Tuesday by U.S. Reps. Richard Neal and Joseph Kennedy III would require improved qualifications among administrative leaders and broader oversight of veterans’ care facilities. It would also require administrators or deputy superintendents to maintain a medical license similar to those held by skilled nursing facility administrators.
Neal told Masslive.com that what happened in Holyoke is personal — his uncle is a resident of the home who survived after being diagnosed with the virus.
“There must be accountability for what happened at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and other facilities across the country where our heroes live, and this legislation is a very important step to achieve that,” Neal said in a statement. “We made a promise to care for our veterans after they fought for us. And that cannot ever be forgotten.”
Two former top administrators at the state-run Holyoke facility have pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence charges, and the state has promised renovations and safety improvements.
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