MD HB1291

Applies to assisted living programs with at least 15 beds, establishing requirements for family councils that protect residents' rights and quality of life

Family councils may include residents' family members or appointed individuals, and facility staff may lead the council for up to 6 months to facilitate its development before transitioning leadership to a council member

Assisted living programs must provide new and prospective residents written information about the family council, including contact information for a current member and the state or local ombudsman

Facilities must respond in writing to any grievance or communication from the family council within 14 calendar days

Assisted living programs must maintain both a public correspondence file (with resident-identifying information removed) and an unedited regulatory file of all family council communications, available for review by residents, prospective residents, and licensing authorities

Effective October 1, 2025