House Bill 1071
On June 1, Rep Scott Stone of Mecklenburg County filed HB 1071, the Assisted Seniors Financial Protection Act. HB 1071 had two major elements: to provide what Stone contends are financial protections for residents of Adult Care Homes against unanticipated cost increases and to provide more time for residents before they are discharged. NCALA strongly opposed HB 1071, citing current rules and General Statutes already in place for the protection of assisted living residents; therefore, eliminating the need for additional rules or general statutes. NCALA has agreed to work collaboratively during the next few months with legislators, DHHS, the Medical Care Commission (as necessary), and its member organizations and facilities, to address any issues and concerns related to resident rates, contracts, and notices of contract terms and rates, and to ensure that their members are educated and fully informed about the laws governing rates, charges, and contracts. Because of NCALA’s commitment to work with Rep Stone to address his concerns, he agreed to put HB 1071 on the shelf for the Short Session and work closely with DHHS and the industry to address these concerns during the next several months before the 2019 long session of the General Assembly begins in January.