- Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell announced draft regulations defining specific unfair or deceptive acts within assisted living residences under the state’s consumer protection law.
- Among other requirements, the draft rules would require clearer residency agreements and billing disclosures, including total service costs, itemized charges, and notice of when prices may increase. They also would require clearer disclosures and bar misleading statements about staffing, available services, and the role of nurses employed by the residence.
- The proposal also would reinforce that assisted-living residents are entitled to tenant-style protections on fees, deposits, and eviction, and would require clear notice that nonpayment of monthly charges could lead to eviction proceedings.
- The proposed rules would define these standards as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the state’s consumer protection law, allowing the AG’s office to bring enforcement actions and potentially seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.