New Jersey’s legislative session is still in full swing, and ALFA’s state affiliate, the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ), has been working tirelessly to ensure New Jersey’s legislators understand the needs of senior living providers throughout the state.

Several bills have been introduced throughout the 2010-2011 session that if passed would hinder senior living providers ability to serve their residents. A3865, for example, was introduced earlier this year and would require assisted living residences and comprehensive personal care homes to ensure each of its residential units is equipped with an emergency cord that can connect with a staff member. This bill has been opposed by HCANJ, because emergency cords are an outdated technology. Communities can and do use many other technologies to alert staff in case of an emergency. This bill has not yet left committee, but will be closely monitored for the rest of the legislative session.

S1113 is another example of onerous legislation. S1113 was introduced back in 2010 and would have required all assisted living communities to set aside at least 10 percent of their total licensed units for Medicaid-eligible persons and fill a least 5 percent of their units with Medicaid direct admission. This piece of legislation was strongly opposed by the Health Care Association of New Jersey for the burden it would place on senior living providers. HCANJ instead supported the more recently introduced A3405, which preempted S1113. This new bill requires assisted living communities that have surrendered their licenses and previously signed a written contract promising not to discharge a resident if they become Medicaid eligible to escrow sufficient funds to cover care in another community. Diffusing the threat of S1113, A3405 was signed into law early this year.

HCANJ supported S2974 has also successfully made it through the legislature. The bill would postpone the imposition of statewide development fees on non-residential properties. The bill would also refund fees paid after June 30, 2010. S2974 has been sent to the Governor and is awaiting his signature.

The Health Care Association of New Jersey, along with each of ALFA’s state affiliates and chapters are a critical part of maintaining a favorable environment for senior living providers and the seniors they serve. Join the affiliate or chapter in your state to take full advantage of all their great work.

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