Bill > H798

This bill requires nursing homes and rest homes to develop and implement comprehensive plans to ensure residents are treated with dignity, privacy, and safety. Specifically, the bill mandates that facilities submit a plan to the state department demonstrating how they will treat residents with respect, with dignity being a core principle in staff training and facility rules. By July 1, 2027, facilities must guarantee single-occupancy rooms with individual lavatories for each resident, with the possibility of a deadline extension if the facility shows a good faith effort toward compliance. The bill prohibits forcing residents to share rooms, with exceptions for married couples, family members who choose to share, and individuals whose treatment plans suggest room sharing might benefit their health. Semi-private rooms must be spacious enough to provide privacy, accommodate personal belongings, and allow for visitor seating. Additionally, the bill requires facilities to offer in-room dining at no extra cost and strictly limits room occupancy to a maximum of two residents. Facilities that fail to comply with these provisions will be subject to a fine of $1,000 per day for each non-compliant room, emphasizing the legislation's commitment to improving living conditions for nursing home and rest home residents.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H798