An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities

This bill requires nursing homes in Massachusetts to create human rights committees responsible for investigating complaints about resident rights. It mandates that the state provide annual training for committee members and designate human rights officers in each region to assist with resolving violations. Additionally, the law ensures that all nursing home residents, regardless of their insurance status, are guaranteed the same enumerated rights previously protected for those with Medicare or Medicaid. The legislation also directs the state to establish regulations by July 2025 that protect the dignity of nursing home residents at a level equivalent to protections for those in mental health and developmental disability facilities.