Michigan Adopts New “Continuing Care Community Disclosure Act”
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed Michigan Senate Bill 886 and related bills (SB 887, 888 and 889) into law on December 30, 2014. The new law is described as “an ongoing effort to continue to support consumer choice and protection while encouraging continued investments into vital care facilities” in the state of Michigan, focusing on continuing care retirement (CCRCs) and life care communities.
The law, titled the Continuing Care Community Disclosure Act, would appear to replace prior law, and thus it will be important to sit down with the new provisions and examine them carefully, especially given the announced reasons for passage. I’m guessing there might be some trade-offs here, with both consumers and providers having interests at stake. According to press releases, some of the “major” provisions of the new law include:
- A limit on amortization of the entrance fee to 1.5 percent for each month of occupancy
- A requirement for any continuing care community to register with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Setting a $250 registration fee and a $100 renewal fee
- Organizations must report if any executive officers or director has been convicted of certain felonies
- A feasibility study with a business plan must be included in each application
- Exemptions from promulgated rules governing different types of facilities could be granted if the rules interfere delivery of care or with moving residents between different facilities
- Regulations on the fees facilities may charge and how refunds are provided to potential and former residents
- A continuing care community could petition for a guardian if a resident became incapacitated and unable to handle his or her personal or financial affairs
The legislation reportedly had the support of LeadingAge in Michigan. I’m curious about the background on this new legislation — perhaps some of our readers know the history and reasons for new laws here?