An Act ensuring access to a resident representative in long-term care facilities

This bill requires Massachusetts long-term care facilities to inform every resident that they have the right to select a representative to help with care decisions. The law defines a "resident representative" broadly to include individuals chosen by the resident, legal guardians, power of attorney holders, and other authorized fiduciaries. Facilities must notify residents verbally and in writing that their chosen representative can attend care plan meetings and support them in accessing personal information or managing finances. The Department of Public Health is tasked with creating regulations to set standards for these representatives while ensuring their authority remains limited to what is specifically granted by the resident or the law.