MA H797

Skilled nursing facilities must employ medical directors certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or equivalent organization within 5 years of hire; current medical directors as of January 1, 2027 have until January 1, 2030 to obtain certification

Facilities must submit medical director information to the Department of Public Health with license applications, including criminal background check results, resume, and proof of certification, all of which become public record

Falsely representing oneself as a certified medical director carries a fine of at least $500 per day of violation

Medical directors must report to the Department of Public Health when facility management fails to address issues potentially harmful to residents or staff, with reports becoming public record

Medical directors must report to resident and family councils at least twice annually, or submit annual reports to the department on patient-centered care, quality, and safety if no council exists