Bill > S363

This bill mandates that the Department of Public Health establish minimum staffing requirements for skilled nursing facilities and all level I, II, and III long-term care facilities, which are types of facilities providing care for the elderly and those needing extended medical assistance. Working collaboratively with the union 1199SEIU and other relevant groups, the Department will update current regulations, specifically the Nursing Services regulations (105 CMR 150.007), to ensure these facilities hire enough nurses, certified nurse assistants (CNAs), and other personnel. The goal is to guarantee that all patient needs are met and that there are always enough staff on duty to safely provide quality care in a clean and safe environment, with the updated regulations including specific standards and direct-care staff-to-patient ratios. The Department is also required to release public recommendations on these matters within six months of the bill's final approval.