Relates to the ability of continuing care retirement communities to offer seniors additional service options

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 - amends and adds a new subdivision to section 4601 of the Public Health Law to allow for continuing care at home as a continuing care retirement community contract option.

Section 2 - amends the opening paragraph of subdivision 2 of section 4602 of the Public Health Law to delete the requirement that a life care contract mandate at least four council meetings per year.

Section 3 - amends subdivision 1 of section 4603-a of the Public Health Law to change the name of "life care community council" to "continuing care retirement community council."

Section 4 - amends paragraphs d and e and clause (C) of subparagraph (iv) of paragraph j of subdivision 2 of section 4604 of the Public Health Law to change language to reflect continuing care retirement contracts and that clause (C) relates to facilities licensed by the Department of Health rather than the Department of Social Services.

Section 5 - amends paragraph b of subdivision 4 of section 4604 of the Public Health Law to provide oversight by the Commissioner of Health rather than the Commissioner of Social Services.

Section 6 - amends paragraph g of subdivision 2 of section 4604-a of the Public Health Law to reflect the option of life care at home services.

Section 7 - amends subdivision 13 of section 4605 of the Public Health Law to change language to reflect the option of continuing care at home contracts.

Section 8 - Paragraphs e, f and g of subdivision 14 of section 4606 of the Public Health Law are relettered paragraphs f, g and h and a new paragraph e is added to list the types of meal plans available.

Section 9 - amends section 4608 of the Public Health Law to include continuing care retirement community or continuing care at home contracts and limit certain provisions to life care and modified contracts only, and set forth certain requirements for life care at home contracts.

Section 10 - amends subdivision 1 of section 4612 of the Public Health Law to recognize that some residents under this section may be living at home.

Section 11 - amends subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 4614 of the Public Health Law to reflect that the Commissioner of Health shall have responsibility for oversight.

Section 12 - amends paragraph k of subdivision 1 of section 4615 of the Public Health Law to reflect responsibility of the Commissioner of Health.

Section 13 - section heading 4623 is amended to read as follows: Long term care insurance and continuing care retirement contracts.

Section 14 - provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

This bill would offer another option for seniors -- life care at home. Existing CCRC campus providers may establish a separate affiliated 501(c)3 corporation to offer various levels of home care services as chosen by the contract holder, based upon the needs of the seniors(s) in the home. This bill will expand the continuum of services from limited services at home, through increased services, and eventual residence, if needed, on a CCRC campus. At home services can include, as necessary, personal health coordination, emergency response system, health and wellness programs, home nurse visits, companion services, home inspections, transportation, meals, on-campus activities and cultural events. Services are coordinated by a case manager. The program allows planned continuity so seniors can know they will continue to receive services over the years with the same provider as their needs change and know they can remain at home as long as possible with such services as they may require.

Prior legislative history

2011-12 - S.5224-B/A .8405-A - PASSED SENATE/Health 2013 - S.2118-A/A.4611-A - HEALTH/Health

Fiscal implications

May reduce costs to state if seniors can remain at home and not spend down their assets and seek Medicaid assistance

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.