BILL NUMBER: S8865
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to quality improve-
ment and increased consumer transparency in assisted living residences
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To improve the quality of assisted living residences through increased
reporting. The proposal would also mandate the posting of information
which would allow consumers to compare facilities. There will also be a
rating system developed on quality measures.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
The bill amends Public Health Law section 4656 by adding two subdivi-
sions. Section one requires all assisted living residences to report
annually on quality measures. The quality measures will be developed by
the Department of Health in consultation with the industry and consumer
representatives. The long-term care ombudsman or her/his representative
would be consulted as well. The first report will be due no later than
January fifteenth, two thousand twenty-five. In addition, this section
requires the posting of specific information. The information will be
posted in a conspicuous place on the facility's website and in a public
space within the facility. Such information shall be reported to the
Department beginning on October first twenty-four. The Department will
also develop a system to score the results of the assisted living quali-
ty reporting system. Facilities that score in the top quartile shall be
granted an advanced standing classification which grants them a general
inspection every eighteen months instead of the standard twelve months.
Complaint investigations, surveys and/or investigations will not be
affected by the advanced standing classification. No later than February
fifteenth, two thousand twenty- five, the Department will report to the
legislature on the development of a quality scoring system for adult
care facilities such as enriched housing and adult homes. A new subdivi-
sion is created to allow assisted living residences to seek accredi-
tation.
The bill is effective on the ninetieth day after it shall become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The additional of a quality reporting system for assisted living resi-
dences (ALRs) has the potential to dramatically increase quality for
consumers.
Since ALRs are not regulated at the federal level they are not included
in prior quality efforts like the five-star system for nursing homes.
This system will be transparent and focus on agreed upon measures. The
bill also requires standard consumer friendly information on rates and
service fees. This will allow consumers and their families to compare
costs and services across different assisted living facilities. This
legislation mandates that promulgation of regulations to effectuate all
the provisions. The regulatory process will allow all interested parties
to weigh in on the specific elements of the new law.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill for the 2023-24 session
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None; This bill could be accomplished within the current resources of
the Department of Health.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
30th Day