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H 768

An Act relative to certified medical directors at skilled nursing facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon

Summary of H 768: An Act relative to certified medical directors at skilled nursing facilities OverviewThis bill, introduced on February 27, 2025, seeks to establish new requiremen

Accompanied a study order, see H5310 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 768

Summary of H 768: An Act relative to certified medical directors at skilled nursing facilities

Overview

This bill, introduced on February 27, 2025, seeks to establish new requirements for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to have a certified medical director on staff. It would replace the previous HD 1384 bill on this topic.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all skilled nursing facilities in the state to employ a medical director who is board-certified in geriatrics or internal medicine.
  • The medical director must have at least 3 years of experience working in a long-term care setting prior to their appointment.
  • Medical directors would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of clinical care protocols, managing the facility's quality assurance program, and serving as a liaison between the facility and residents' primary care providers.
  • Facilities would have 18 months from the bill's effective date to comply with the new medical director requirement.
  • The state's Department of Public Health will be tasked with developing regulations to enforce the medical director standards and qualifications.

Impact

This legislation is intended to improve the quality of medical oversight and clinical care within skilled nursing facilities. By mandating that SNFs have an experienced, board-certified physician leading their medical services, the bill aims to:

  • Enhance the coordination and continuity of care for residents
  • Strengthen quality assurance and clinical best practices at SNFs
  • Increase the medical expertise available to guide facility operations and policies
  • Improve communication and collaboration between SNFs and residents' primary care providers

The new requirements would apply to all 350+ skilled nursing facilities across the state, potentially creating workforce challenges and increased operating costs for some facilities to comply. However, supporters argue the benefits to resident health and safety outweigh the potential burdens on SNFs.

Timeline

  • The bill is currently scheduled for a public hearing on September 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • If passed, the 18-month compliance period would mean the new medical director standards would take effect by mid-2027.
  • The Department of Public Health would then be responsible for developing and implementing the oversight regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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