Bill > H628

This bill aims to establish requirements for skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts to employ certified medical directors. Specifically, it defines a "certified medical director" as an individual certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or an equivalent organization, as determined by the state's Department of Public Health. The bill prohibits skilled nursing facilities from contracting with a medical director who is not, or will not become within 5 years, a certified medical director, with an exception for those already employed as of January 1, 2023, who have until January 1, 2028 to become certified. The bill also requires skilled nursing facilities to submit information about their medical directors, including criminal history and proof of certification, to the Department of Public Health. Finally, the bill includes penalties for individuals who represent themselves as certified medical directors without the proper certification, and requires the Department of Public Health to submit a report by January 1, 2031 on a permanent requirement for certified medical directors at skilled nursing facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H628