HARRISBURG, Pa., July 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G.
Rendell said today that Pennsylvania has broken a decade-long deadlock by
enacting assisted-living legislation that will allow Pennsylvanians to
maintain their independence and continue to exercise personal choice while
receiving the support they need.
"Until today, Pennsylvania was one of only a few states that did not
have separate licensing standards for assisted-living residences," said
Governor Rendell. "Now, Pennsylvanians will enjoy a wider range of options
when it comes to choosing services for their long-term living needs. The
legislation I'm signing today creates standards that will protect the
health and welfare of Pennsylvanians living in assisted-living residences."
Pennsylvanians who do not need a higher level of care -- such as the
care provided by a nursing home -- will now be able to confidently choose a
less restrictive, licensed, assisted-living residence that meets state
standards. Senate Bill 704 also creates a "special care" designation so
that consumers can easily identify facilities that are certified to provide
Alzheimer's and dementia care.
Assisted-living residences are designed to offer flexibility by
providing care and services that accommodates residents' changing needs and
preferences. Assisted living gives individuals needing 24-hour care the
opportunity to live in a home-like environment that respects their privacy
by providing them with their own living space, including a bathroom and
capacity for a kitchen, and gives residents the support that they need to
retain control over their lives.
"I applaud Rep. Phyllis Mundy and Sen. Pat Vance for working with us in
a bipartisan way to break a decade-long impasse by enacting this
legislation. Many individuals came together and worked tirelessly to make
this important legislation a reality," the Governor said.
The Department of Public Welfare will have oversight of assisted-living
residences and is creating a new unit responsible for licensing and
inspections. Every residence must undergo at least one unannounced site
inspection each year.
The department will apply for a new waiver from the federal government
to support Medicaid recipients who wish to live in assisted-living
residences. The waiver will provide funding for necessary personal
assistance and support for people who are Medicaid-eligible in
assisted-living residences. By creating a new funding source, DPW will
ensure that the development of assisted-living residences will not hamper
the continued growth in home and community based waivers and services.
"This bill is crucial to meeting our goal of better balancing the long-
term living system," said Governor Rendell. "Assisted living provides
individuals who need personal assistance and health care services a much
needed option to live independently with privacy and dignity -- values that
are important to every Pennsylvanian."
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Doug Rohanna
717-783-1116
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
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