Bill > S1539

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to amend existing regulations for temporary nursing agencies working in skilled nursing facilities to address potential conflicts of interest. Specifically, the bill requires additional reporting for individuals, family members, or business entities that have both an ownership stake of 5 percent or more in a temporary nursing agency and an operating license for a skilled nursing facility. Under the proposed regulations, such entities would be prohibited from providing temporary nursing staff to a skilled nursing facility they co-own. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling, child, in-laws, grandparents, and grandchildren. Before making these regulatory changes, the department must consult with the Massachusetts Senior Care Association and 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The Department of Public Health is required to complete this regulatory amendment process and file for emergency adoption of the new rules within 180 days of the bill's passage, with the goal of preventing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency in staffing arrangements for nursing facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1539