651 CMR 12.00 sets forth the requirements for Certification, renewal of Certification and suitability for Applicants and Sponsors of Assisted Living Residences. The purpose of 651 CMR 12.00 is to: promote the availability of services for elderly or disabled persons in a residential environment; to promote dignity, individuality, and privacy to support and preserve decision-making ability of such persons and to promote their health, safety, and welfare; to promote the ability of Assisted Living Residents to age in place; and to promote continued improvement of Assisted Living Residences. Although the provisions of St. 1994, c. 354, and 651 CMR 12.00 do not apply to the following entities and premises for the original facilities and services for which said entities and premises were originally licensed or organized to provide, if any such entity seeks to have all or part of its premises advertised, operated or maintained as an Assisted Living Residence it must apply to become Certified in accordance with 651 CMR 12.03:

1. (a) Convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest homes, charitable homes for the aged or intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111, § 71;
2. (b) Hospices licensed pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 111, § 57D;
3. (c) Facilities providing continuing care to residents as defined by M.G.L. c. 93, § 76;
4. (d) Congregate housing authorized by M.G.L. c. 121B, § 39;
5. (e) Group homes operating under contract with the Department of Mental Health or the Department of Developmental Services;
6. (f) Housing operated for only those duly ordained priests, or for the members of the religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church in their own locations, buildings, Assisted Living Residence or headquarters to provide care, shelter, treatment and medical assistance for any of the said duly ordained priests or members of the said religious orders. The provisions of St. 1994, c. 354 are not applicable to elderly housing as defined by 651 CMR 12.02.