NY S05375

Expands the definition of "long term care facilities" in elder law to include assisted living residences as defined in Article 46-B of the Public Health Law, and any facilities advertising or holding themselves out as providing assisted living services that are required to be licensed or certified under state law.

Requires assisted living residences and other covered facilities to permit access by long term care ombudsman program participants and prohibits restrictions or interference with their official duties, including confidential visits with residents.

Updates references to the long term care ombudsman program from sections 544-545 of the executive law to section 218 of the elder law.

Applies to residential health care facilities, adult care facilities, assisted living residences, and managed long term care plans in determining ombudsman access rights.

Takes effect immediately, except amendments to the definition section take effect on the same date and manner as chapter 642 of the laws of 2004.