MA S1580

Department of Public Health must promulgate regulations defining "resident representative" in accordance with federal law for long-term care facility licensing standards

Licensed long-term care facilities must notify each resident verbally and in writing of their right to choose a representative who can attend care plan meetings and support care-related decision-making

"Resident representative" includes individuals chosen by the resident, persons authorized by state or federal law (such as power of attorney agents, representative payees, fiduciaries), legal representatives under the Older Americans Act, and court-appointed guardians or conservators

Representative authority is limited to what is specifically authorized by the resident, federal law, or a court—the act does not expand existing legal authority