An Act promoting infection prevention and privacy for residents of nursing homes
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 480) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote infection prevention and privacy for residents of nursing homes. Elder Affairs.
The bill focuses on enhancing resident privacy in licensed health care facilities throughout the Commonwealth by mandating single occupancy rooms. It amends Section 70E of Chapter 111 to ensure that residents can occupy a single room unless they or their authorized representatives consent to share under specific, mutually agreed conditions. Bathrooms within these rooms must not be shared with individuals outside of an agreed roommate situation. The executive office of health and human services is responsible for obtaining federal approval for any necessary rate increases to accommodate this change. The department of public health is charged with creating regulations to promote the use of single rooms and bathrooms in licensed facilities. This requirement applies to new and significantly renovated facilities, while existing facilities have a three-year compliance window. Furthermore, the bill adjusts Section 35TTT of Chapter 10 to prioritize funding for projects focused on reconfiguring facilities to offer single-occupancy rooms.
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