Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC's), or life care communities, have been legally recognized in New York State since 1989, when they were authorized by Public Health Law Article 46. Life care communities provide unlimited long-term care, with residential, assisted living, nursing, dining, recreational and other services available within one setting and for one monthly fee, after paying an entrance fee. In 1997, the law was amended to authorize modified communities, which provide a limited number of nursing home days included with the base fee, and then additional care on a fee-basis when the pre-paid days run out.

Chapter 519 of the Laws of 2004 created a new type of life care community, with up to 8 demonstration programs on a fee-for-service model. Residents pay only for the services for which they contract.

This hearing invites testimony from interested parties on how this legislation is working and recommendations for change.

Persons wishing to attend or present testimony at this hearing should complete and return the reply form as soon as possible, but no later than November 17, 2005. It is important that the form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation of the hearing.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes in length. All testimony is under oath. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. This request should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as soon as possible. Ten copies of any prepared statement should be submitted at the hearing registration table.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Questions about this hearing may be directed to Shay Bergin of the Assembly Health Committee staff at 518-455-4941 or bergins@assembly.state.ny.us.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
REPLY FORM -- PLEASE RESPOND BY November 17, 2005.

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