(a) In accordance with 3 V.S.A. chapter 25, the Secretary of Human Services may adopt reasonable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter and may prescribe minimum standards of care, program administration, and sanitation for facilities licensed under this chapter.(b) No later than January 1, 1997, the Secretary of Human Services shall adopt comprehensive rules for licensing of nursing homes to include criteria deemed appropriate by the Secretary, including criteria for accessibility, quality, and safety standards. The rules for nursing home licensing shall: (1) require that nursing facilities provide the care and services necessary to help each resident attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being in accordance with a comprehensive assessment and plan of care and prevailing standards of care as determined by the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living; and(2) promote a standard of care that ensures that the ability of each resident to perform activities of daily living does not diminish unless the resident's ability is diminished solely as a result of a change in the resident's clinical condition.Added 1973, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1975, No. 221 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 1981, No. 99, § 2; 1995, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 91, eff. 5/20/2014.