Section 19D:15 - [Effective 12/5/2024] Qualifications of manager and staff; whistle blower protections(a) The manager of an assisted living residence shall be at least twenty-one years of age, qualified by education or experience to be responsible for the operation of the residence in conformance with the applicable laws and regulations, and of good moral and responsible character, and shall never have been convicted of a felony.(b) The sponsor may employ staff directly, in which case it shall comply with department's standards for personal care homemaker services and personnel as from time to time in effect. The sponsor may also engage an agency approved by the department to offer personal care homemaker services. All personnel providing personal care shall be qualified by training or experience to assist with activities of daily living and to provide self-administered medication management.(c) No assisted living residence shall discharge, discipline, discriminate against or otherwise retaliate against an employee or resident who, in good faith, files a complaint with or provides information to the department relative to what the employee or resident reasonably believes is a violation of law, rule or regulation or poses a risk to public health or safety or resident or staff well-being. An assisted living residence in violation of this section shall be liable to the person retaliated against by a civil action for up to treble damages, costs and attorney's fees in the event such violation shall be determined to be egregious or willful.Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 19D, § 19D:15
Amended by Acts 2024, c. 197,§ 10, eff. 12/5/2024.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.