Skip to Content
April 16, 2026 Clouds | 71°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.496 194th (Current)

An Act clarifying responsibility for policy and budgetary decision-making in nursing homes

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 496) of John C. Velis for legislation to clarify accountability for policy and budgetary decision-making in nursing homes. Elder Affairs.

View Text Print Preview Download PDF

Bill Information

Presenter:
John C. Velis

Nursing Homes

The purpose of this act is to ensure that skilled nursing facilities shall operate with budgets sufficient to meet the staffing and care needs of their residents and to explicitly hold the nursing home administrator and medical director or owners responsible for any adverse events that impact the quality and care of residents. The concept of responsibility for the health and safety of nursing home residents is based on the opinion of the justices of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in the case of Commonwealth vs. David Clinton (the finding of responsibility in the matter of the Holyoke Soldiers Home tragedy) in which decisions of top management were found liable.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.