Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 123B, § 2

The department shall, in accordance with section two of chapter thirty A and subject to appropriation, adopt regulations consistent with this chapter which establish procedures and the highest practicable professional standards for the reception, examination, treatment, restraint, transfer and discharge of persons with an intellectual disability in departmental facilities. Said regulations shall be adaptable to changing conditions and to advances in methods of care and treatment and in programs and services for persons with an intellectual disability. Said regulations (1) shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, long and short-term residential care, educational services, and preschool clinical services, (2) shall define the levels of and other aspects of intellectual disability as deemed necessary by the department, and (3) shall provide for different procedures for particular facilities or programs.

The department shall, in accordance with section 2 of chapter 30A and subject to appropriation, adopt regulations consistent with this chapter which establish procedures and the highest practicable professional standards for community services for persons with developmental disabilities.