SECTION 1.  Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 72Z the following section:-

 Section 72AA.  The department, in consultation with the secretary of elder affairs, shall promulgate rules and regulations to promote and protect the interests and well being of residents in nursing homes, rest homes, and long-term care facilities.  Such rules and regulations shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the timely notification to the resident and designated family member or legal representative of relevant changes in resident care; (ii) the posting of care and communication standards in a clear and conspicuous manner within a facility; and (iii) establishing a process for distributing an informational packet explaining in lay terms all applicable rules and regulations to the resident, designated family member or legal representative, including a copy of such rules and regulations and a written acknowledgment of receipt.

SECTION 2. The commissioner of public health shall file the regulations promulgated under section 1 not later than 180 days after the effective date of this act.