Bill > H784

This bill amends Chapter 19D of Massachusetts General Laws by establishing a new informal dispute resolution process for assisted living facilities to contest findings that require corrective action. Under the new provisions, assisted living residences can submit a written appeal within 10 days of receiving agency findings. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs will create a 10-member review committee composed of 5 voting members and 5 alternates, which will include representatives from key senior care organizations like Massachusetts Senior Care Association, LeadingAge of Massachusetts, and MassALA, as well as the Commonwealth's Ombudsman Program. The committee will review submitted materials and can recommend either retaining or deleting the original finding. While all committee members can participate in discussions, only voting members can vote, and members must declare and recuse themselves in cases of conflict of interest. Recommendations will be made by consensus, or by majority vote if consensus cannot be reached. Importantly, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs retains final authority to accept or deny the committee's recommendation and must notify the assisted living residence of its determination in writing.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H784