MA H784

Amends Chapter 19D, Section 7 of Massachusetts General Laws to require the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to implement an informal dispute resolution process for assisted living facilities to contest regulatory findings

Assisted living residences must submit written appeals within 10 days of receiving findings that require corrective action

Establishes a 10-member appeals committee (5 voting members, 5 alternates) with representatives from Massachusetts Senior Care Association, LeadingAge of Massachusetts, MassALA, the Commonwealth's Ombudsman Program, and EOEA serving as chairperson

Committee decisions are made by consensus or majority vote, with members required to declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from participation

Executive Office of Elder Affairs retains final authority to accept or deny the committee's recommendation and must notify the residence in writing of the determination