MA S483

Requires skilled nursing facility medical directors to be certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or equivalent organization approved by the Department of Public Health

New medical directors must obtain certification within 5 years of initial hire; existing medical directors employed as of January 1, 2027 have until January 1, 2030 to become certified

Skilled nursing 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 or expected certification date

Facilities must notify the department of any medical director changes within 10 calendar days and submit initial compliance documentation by June 30, 2027

Falsely representing oneself as a certified medical director is punishable by a fine of at least $500, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both