Massachusetts Veterans Homes Achieve All Licensure and Certification Milestones

 Massachusetts Veterans Homes Achieve All Licensure and Certification Milestones 

Holyoke Veterans Home secures final CMS certification as care quality and resident outcomes reach new heights 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is today announcing that Massachusetts has officially met all state and federal licensure and certification milestones for its two state-operated veterans homes, signaling a new era of stability, oversight and excellence in care for those who served. 

The final step came in July, when the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke received full certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — affirming its compliance with all federal standards for long-term care facilities and unlocking eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid funding. The designation followed a perfect score earlier this year on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual survey, which found zero deficiencies across dozens of regulatory categories — a rare outcome that placed Holyoke among the top-performing veterans’ long-term care facilities in the nation. 

The achievement is part of Governor Maura Healey’s multi-year effort to rebuild trust and strengthen the state’s Veterans Homes following the COVID-19 crisis. In approximately two years, the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke has achieved CMS certification, licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and a perfect, zero-deficiency rating in the VA’s annual survey — a trifecta of state and federal oversight milestones that reflects the depth of the turnaround.  

“This is a proud moment for Massachusetts and a promise kept to our veterans and their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We said we would rebuild trust, raise standards and deliver the highest quality care in our state’s veterans homes—and that’s exactly what we’ve done. These milestones reflect not just stronger oversight, but a deeper commitment to the dignity, health and well-being of those who served. I’m proud of the progress at Holyoke and Chelsea, and I’m grateful to Secretary Santiago and the leadership teams who made this transformation possible.”  

“Our veterans and their families deserve nothing but the best,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These certifications reflect the hard work, collaboration and compassion that have gone into restoring our veterans homes over the past two years. This progress didn’t happen by accident—it happened because we listened, we partnered, and we never lost sight of who we’re here to serve.” 

“This is more than a milestone—it’s a turning point,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “We promised to restore these institutions with compassion, integrity, and accountability. That work is ongoing, but today we can say with confidence: Massachusetts is delivering for its veterans.” 

“We are extremely proud of our team for this extraordinary achievement. It’s a direct result of their hard work, compassion, and commitment to our veterans,” said Holyoke Executive Director Michael Lazo. “Our entire team is dedicated to continuously improving and providing the highest level of care to those who have served our country. This recognition is a testament to their dedication.” 

Both the Holyoke and Chelsea campuses are now fully licensed and certified, meeting the most rigorous benchmarks for safety, quality, staffing, and administration. Holyoke, for example, is exceeding statewide averages in six of the seven CMS benchmarks that track resident health, safety, and quality of life, further demonstrating the measurable improvements underway. 

A major driver of this success has been the implementation of a robust Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs. These data-driven systems proactively identify areas for improvement, reduce risks, and help drive measurable results. Both homes have also transitioned to fully electronic medical record (EMR) systems, modernizing operations and enhancing coordination of care. 

The transformation underway at Holyoke is also physical. The new Home—part of a $482 million redevelopment project led by Commodore-Walsh Joint Venture—will welcome its first residents in late 2026, with full project completion expected by summer 2028. The modern facility will feature 234 long-term care beds, a specialized memory care unit, and a 40-person adult day health program to support veterans living in the community. This follows the construction of the new Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea, which opened in 2023 and represents another major investment in veteran care infrastructure across the Commonwealth. 

“This achievement reflects the Commonwealth’s deep and enduring commitment to our veterans,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “In the Senate, we’ve worked in tandem with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to reform, invest in, and strengthen our veterans homes. I’m deeply grateful to the Administration for delivering the high-quality care facilities our veterans deserve, and I look forward to continued progress in both housing and quality of care.” 

“The Holyoke Veterans Home continues to be a source of incredible pride for all of us who call Western Massachusetts home, and today's announcement is a fulfillment and reflection of the dedicated work that has been taking place at both Chelsea and Holyoke over the last year several years," said Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs. "I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Santiago for their steadfast focus on obtaining these licensures and certifications, to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support of critical funding and governance reforms for the Homes, and to all of the staff at both facilities for their incredible service and care for our Commonwealth's veterans and families." 

“I’m thrilled that Massachusetts is continuing its leading role in protecting and providing for veterans. While we cannot change the past, we can take an active role in ensuring that our veterans receive the highest quality care that they deserve,” said Representative Joe McGonagle, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs. “This achievement signals that this community has been and will always be seen and heard by the people of Massachusetts.” 

“The Holyoke Board of Trustees proudly celebrates this milestone as a testament to the extraordinary progress made at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke. Achieving full CMS certification, alongside DPH licensure and a perfect VA survey, speaks volumes about the caliber of leadership and the dedication of the entire care team,” said General Sean Collins, Chair of the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke Board of Trustees. “These accomplishments are not just technical—they represent lives improved, trust rebuilt, and a renewed sense of purpose across our campus. On behalf of the Board, we extend our deepest thanks to the staff, residents, families, and state partners who helped make this possible. We remain committed to supporting the continued growth and excellence of this Home for generations of veterans to come.” 

Governor Maura Healey created the Executive Office of Veterans Services in March 2023 to restore trust and deliver stronger, more accountable care for veterans across Massachusetts. Over the past two and a half years, and with the strong support of the Legislature, the administration has passed the landmark HERO Act, launched the End Veteran Homelessness initiative, expanded access to mental health and suicide prevention resources, and strengthened benefits and employment pathways for those who served. Together, these efforts represent the most ambitious and comprehensive overhaul of veterans services in state history.