MA S479

Long-term care facility residents have the right to single-occupancy rooms unless they or their guardian/health care proxy agrees to share with a spouse or one other resident

When no second resident is present, bathrooms cannot be shared with any other person

Executive Office of Health and Human Services must seek federal approval for rate increases to cover single-occupancy room costs if necessary

Department of Public Health must promulgate regulations promoting single rooms and bathrooms in all licensed facilities statewide

Existing licensed facilities have 3 years to comply; funding priority under Section 35TTT of Chapter 10 goes to projects reconfiguring facilities for single-occupancy rooms