Bill > S4245

This bill extends the regulatory power of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to include investigating and resolving complaints of abuse or exploitation in senior housing, specifically in age-restricted developments. An age-restricted development is defined as a housing community that meets the "housing for older persons" exception under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, which typically means at least 80% of residents are 55 years or older. The bill adds a new provision to the Ombudsman's existing responsibilities, requiring them to actively elicit, receive, process, respond to, and resolve complaints involving elderly individuals living in these housing communities. This expansion of the Ombudsman's role aims to provide additional protection and advocacy for seniors living in age-restricted housing, ensuring they have a formal mechanism to report and address potential abuse or exploitation. The bill will take effect immediately upon enactment, allowing the Ombudsman to begin implementing these new responsibilities right away.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4245