MA S491

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Secretary of Elder Affairs to direct emergency professionals to provide care for older adults and people with disabilities based on demographic, physical, psychological, spiritual, and socio-cultural resilience factors during declared states of emergency

Mandates local councils on aging and housing authorities to develop inventories of service and support needs for adults over age 60 and people with disabilities who may require essential services during emergencies

Defines "essential services" as social, medical, psychiatric, or legal services including medical care, personal hygiene assistance, food, clothing, shelter, and protection from health and safety hazards—explicitly excluding taking physical custody without consent

Requires needs inventories to include contact information, specific needs (mobility aids, medications, oxygen, medical equipment), electrical power requirements, communication needs, flood protection, and designated shelter locations including pet-friendly alternatives

Inventory data must be shared with state health, public safety, and emergency management professionals in compliance with privacy laws and is not subject to public records disclosure