Representative Poirier, who currently serves as the Second
Assistant Minority Floor Leader for the House Republican Caucus, is one of four
legislators named to the new 17-member commission, which will study the effects
of malnutrition on older adults and identify the most effective strategies for addressing
this problem. The commission, which
falls under the purview of the Department of Elder Affairs, will file an annual
report with the Legislature by December 31 detailing its activities, findings
and recommendations.
“Representative Poirier has been an invaluable member of my
leadership team, and I am confident she will bring those same leadership
qualities to the commission as it works to identify ways to improve the health
and well-being of the Commonwealth’s older residents who are most at risk for suffering
from malnutrition,” said Representative Jones in announcing the appointment.
The new commission will be chaired by Elder Affairs Secretary
Alice Bonner. Commissioner of Public
Health Dr. Monica Bharel, Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner
Jeff McCue, and Commissioner of Agricultural Resources John Lebeaux will also
serve as members.
The remaining nine commissioners will be appointed by
Governor Charlie Baker, and will include a physician; a university researcher;
a community-based registered dietitian or nutritionist working with a program
funded pursuant to the Older Americans Act; a representative of a hospital or
integrated health system; two nurses working in home care; a registered
dietitian or nutritionist working with a long-term care or assisted living
facility; a registered dietitian or nutritionist representing the Massachusetts
Dietetic Association; and a representative from the Massachusetts Association
of Councils on Aging, Inc.
A member of the House of Representatives since 1999, Representative
Poirier represents the Fourteenth Bristol District, which consists of North
Attleborough; Ward 3, Precinct B in Attleboro; and Precincts 1 and 5 in
Mansfield. In addition to serving on the
Executive Committee of the House Women’s Caucus, Representative Poirier is also
the Ranking Minority Member on the House Committee on Ethics, which investigates
all violations of rules and all questions of conduct concerning the members of
the House of Representatives.
