An Act extend nursing home resident overnights with their family from 10 to 14

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Marsi

Extends MassHealth–paid nonmedical nursing home overnight absences from 10 to 14 days.

Summary: Bill HD 687 — An Act to Extend Nursing Home Resident Overnights with Family from 10 to 14

Overview

HD 687 proposes to extend the maximum number of nonmedical, MassHealth–paid overnight absences for nursing home residents to spend time with family. The bill would amend existing long-term care regulations to increase the limit from 10 days to 14 days.

What the bill would do

Amend 130 CMR 456.431 (MassHealth/long-term care regulations) under the authority of the Division of Medical Assistance (MassHealth).

Increase the maximum temporary absence for nonmedical leave paid by MassHealth from 10 days to 14 days.

Implemented through regulatory change rather than a standalone statute, aligning administrative rules with the legislative directive.

Key provisions

The authority for the change comes from Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 118E, Section 12.

The specified regulation is 130 CMR 456.431; the bill directs the Division of Medical Assistance to amend this regulation accordingly.

The change applies to nonmedical leaves that are funded by MassHealth, expanding the window residents may be away from the facility to overnight visits with family from 10 to 14 days.

Who would be affected

Nursing home residents who rely on MassHealth for long-term care subsidies.

Family members seeking longer overnight visits with a resident.

Nursing facilities that must administer and document nonmedical leave in accordance with the amended regulation.

MassHealth program administrators responsible for approving and paying for nonmedical leaves.

Potential impacts

Resident well-being: Potential improvement in social connections and family involvement due to longer overnight stays.

Cost and operations: Slightly higher MassHealth costs for extended nonmedical leaves; facilities may need to adjust staffing and visiting policies to accommodate longer absences.

Administrative: Regulatory implementation requires updating 130 CMR 456.431 with the new 14-day limit, including any associated guidance and documentation requirements.

Status and background

Bill Number: HD 687

Title: An Act extend nursing home resident overnights with their family from 10 to 14.

Sponsor: Representative John J. Marsi (primary)

Original filing: January 10, 2025 (House Docket No. 687; petition accompanying House Bill No. 1388)

Legislative context: The measure seeks a regulatory change to MassHealth rules, applicable to long-term care facilities in Massachusetts.

Status: Not specified in the provided materials; the bill directs a regulatory amendment rather than a separate statutory enactment.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to current Massachusetts practices or outline potential fiscal implications based on typical MassHealth nonmedical leave costs.