MA S488

Skilled nursing facilities must employ medical directors certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or equivalent organization, with new hires required to obtain certification within 5 years of initial hire

Medical directors already employed as of January 1, 2027 have until January 1, 2030 to become certified; falsely representing oneself as certified carries a fine of at least $500 per day

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, with all existing facilities required to comply by June 30, 2027

Medical directors must report to the department when facility management fails to address issues potentially harmful to residents or staff, and these reports become public record

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