Specifies procedures for the closure of for profit assisted living residences

BILL NUMBER:S7549A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to specifying procedures for the closure of privately funded assisted living residences

Purpose or general idea of bill

Specifies procedures for the closure of assisted living residences.

Summary of specific provisions

In the event that an operator of an assisted living residence erects to close the residence and to surrender an operating certificate and or certification as an enhanced or special needs assisted living residence, the operator shall notify the appropri- ate regional office of the department in writing at least one hundred and twenty days prior to the anticipated date of closure. Such written notice shall include a proposed plan for closure and decertification.

Justification

Under current rules and regulations the closure of an assisted living facility only requires the operator to give ninety days notice. This bill will increase the amount of time the residents have to acquire new living accommodations. Today even older New Yorkers of means can have difficulty finding a place to live. In a recent New York Times article it mentions the limited amount of senior housing available in New York "There's a sort of hysteria that there is only so many places for people to move" With seniors being evicted in 90 days with limited places to go it makes it all the more difficult for our elderly popu- lation. Giving them 120 days would alleviate some of the stress of this situation.

Prior legislative history

none

Fiscal implications

Failure to notify the department of intent to cease operations, failure to submit an approvable plan to execute the approved plan; closure or decertification before all residents have been appro- priately relocated, shall result in the imposition of civil penalties.

Effective date

This act shall take effect the first of January 2015.