By Representative Khan of Newton and Senator Montigny, joint petition (accompanied by bill, 2141) of Kay Khan and others for legislation to require adequate discharge planning for nursing home residents. Public Health.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Kay Khan

Mark C. Montigny

Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.

Gale D. Candaras

Christine E. Canavan

Patricia D. Jehlen

Ruth B. Balser

Thomas J. Calter

William N. Brownsberger

Barbara A. L'Italien

Denise Provost

Richard J. Ross

Gloria L. Fox

Rachel Kaprielian

Susan C. Tucker

Michael E. Festa

John W. Scibak

Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.

Susan C. Fargo

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act relative to nursing home transfers and discharges.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Section 48 of Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2004 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new paragraph:--

When a hearing is requested by a resident of a nursing facility who is being discharged or transferred from a nursing facility, a referee must make findings as to whether the nursing facility has provided sufficient preparation and orientation to the resident to ensure safe orderly transfer or discharge from the facility to another safe and appropriate setting.

SECTION 2. The division of medical assistance shall promulgate regulations consistent with this act.