Bill > S1580

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to establish regulations defining "resident representative" for long-term care facilities, with a broad and comprehensive definition that includes individuals chosen by the resident, persons legally authorized to act on their behalf (such as power of attorney agents, representative payees, and fiduciaries), legal representatives under the Older Americans Act, and court-appointed guardians or conservators for residents deemed to lack decision-making capacity. The bill mandates that each licensed long-term care facility must inform residents, both verbally and in writing, of their right to choose a representative who can accompany them to care plan meetings and support their decision-making processes. Importantly, the bill specifies that a resident representative can help with various tasks like accessing personal information, managing financial matters, and receiving notifications, while explicitly stating that the representative's authority is limited to what is specifically authorized by the resident, federal law, or a court of law. This legislation aims to enhance resident autonomy and ensure that individuals in long-term care facilities have meaningful support in managing their personal and medical affairs.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1580