Section 1.  For the purposes of this act, “small house nursing home” means a nursing home licensed under Section 72 of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, that 1) consists of one or more units designed and modeled as a private home which house no more than ten individuals in each unit, 2) includes only private rooms and bathrooms, 3) establishes a self-directed model of care for residents that incorporates collaborative decision making by residents and staff, 4) provide for a universal worker approach to resident care that is organized to support and empower all staff to respond to the needs and desires of residents; and 6) provides for consistent staff assignments.  

The Division of Health Care Finance and Policy shall promulgate regulations to establish a special add-on to rates of  reimbursement for nursing facilities that develop and operate small house nursing homes.  The add-on will be established to reflect the additional capital costs required in the construction of a small house nursing home. 

In developing the small house add-on, The Division shall consult with the following organizations and individuals in developing the methodology for determining the small house add-on and in determining the requirements for facilities to receive the add-on:

Director of the Division of Health Care Quality at the Department of Public Health or a designee,

Secretary of Elder Affairs, or a designee

At least one architect that has been involved with the development of a small house nursing home

At least one small house nursing home provider/operator

At least two representatives from the Massachusetts Culture Change Coalition including a representative from MassAging