Education News

Preparing for What’s Ahead: 2026 Mass-ALA Training Opportunities

Q4, December2025

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Massachusetts is on the brink of another important shift in assisted living oversight, as the next round of Assisted Living Regulations is expected to be released in the near future. While the exact timing remains uncertain, change is clearly on the horizon. Whether these regulations are published later this year or early in 2026, one thing is certain: Mass-ALA is ready to help our members navigate every step of the process with clarity and confidence.

We understand that any new regulations, even when they bring positive updates, require time, interpretation, and adjustment. That’s why our focus is on ensuring that all assisted living communities across the Commonwealth have access to the information, tools, and training they need to stay ahead and remain compliant. To make sure you and your colleagues don’t miss any of our upcoming programs or important updates, we encourage you to sign up for our email list here. Staying connected ensures your team sees every training opportunity as soon as it’s announced.

Mass-ALA will be offering educational programs dedicated specifically to the anticipated regulatory updates. These trainings are designed to explain the regulatory changes in plain language, outline how they apply to various roles within the community, and offer practical strategies for smooth implementation. Once the new regulations are released, we will also host a webinar to walk members through the key changes and answer initial questions. Whether you’re responsible for clinical oversight, operations, or staff education, these sessions will help you understand what’s new, what remains unchanged, and how to incorporate new regulatory requirements into your daily practices.

Our goal is to take the guesswork out of compliance and empower communities to feel confident about meeting the new expectations from day one. In addition to the regulation-focused sessions, Mass-ALA’s 2026 training calendar will include expanded opportunities for leadership and professional development. The NEW Resident Care Director (RCD) Training will be offered twice next year, with each session spanning four in-person days totaling 32 hours of intensive learning. This program goes far beyond the basics, covering clinical leadership, team communication, documentation standards, and collaborative problem-solving. Similarly, the Executive Director Training will also be offered twice and will include updated material to reflect the new regulatory landscape. These programs will be among our most in-demand offerings. 2026 promises to offer strong educational offerings as leaders seek to strengthen their knowledge and prepare for evolving expectations.

Our Compliance Series, which includes Bootcamp, QA/QI, and Safety Committee/Survey Readiness, will also be refreshed to align with the anticipated regulations. These trainings are designed to help staff at all levels build the systems and habits needed for consistent, proactive compliance. They focus on the day-to-day operational realities that communities face, from internal audits to staff training and quality improvement initiatives. Participants will leave each session with actionable takeaways that can be implemented immediately, creating a stronger foundation for compliance and resident care. The updated materials will also be incorporated into our Annual Regulations Training, giving participants multiple opportunities throughout the year to stay informed and ready for survey activity under the revised standards.

Beyond compliance, 2026 will bring opportunities for connection and collaboration within the assisted living community. We are thrilled to announce that the Mass-ALA Annual Conference and Tradeshow will be held at a new venue in September 2026. This exciting new venue will set the stage for a vibrant gathering that combines learning, networking, and celebration. The conference will feature a full lineup of breakout sessions, inspiring keynote presentations, and an expanded tradeshow floor showcasing innovative products and services. It’s a chance for professionals across all disciplines to come together, share best practices, and explore what’s next for assisted living in Massachusetts. Be on the look out for our announcement of the new venue in early 2026.

 Another area of focus for 2026 is dementia education and certification. Mass-ALA is proud to announce its new partnership with the National Council for Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), offering members access to discounted CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) applications and a wealth of specialized training resources. Through this collaboration, we will provide two CDP trainings, the first will be held virtually on January 22 and two CMDCP (Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional) trainings throughout the year. Each will feature a Train-the-Trainer option, empowering participating communities to certify their own staff in dementia care, and is the first step in obtaining membership in NCCDP’s Memory Care Excellence Network. This approach allows for sustainable, in-house education that enhances the quality of care while ensuring consistent standards across the community. The first CDP session of the year, which includes the Train-the-Trainer track, will be held virtually on January 22 through Mass-ALA.

The coming year will be one of learning, adaptation, and opportunity. While change can bring uncertainty, it also brings progress, and Mass-ALA is committed to helping our members embrace it with confidence. Whether the new regulations have been released or are still pending, our training programs will ensure that every member community has the knowledge and tools to meet new expectations head-on. By staying engaged with Mass-ALA’s educational offerings, leaders and teams will not only remain compliant but will also strengthen their operations, elevate their resident care, and reinforce the integrity of assisted living across Massachusetts.

2026 will mark an important moment for our sector. The communities that prepare early, invest in staff education, attend the regulation rollout sessions, and participate in leadership and dementia care trainings will be best positioned to succeed in this new chapter. Mass-ALA looks forward to being your partner on that journey, offering the support, guidance, and expertise you need to continue providing exceptional care to older adults and their families throughout the Commonwealth.