Bill > A5522

This bill extends the regulatory power of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to include addressing complaints of abuse or exploitation for elderly residents living in age-restricted housing developments. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to the existing law that requires the Ombudsman to actively elicit, receive, process, respond to, and resolve such complaints. The bill provides a precise legal definition of "age-restricted development" by referencing the "housing for older persons" exception in the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, which essentially means a housing community specifically designed for and restricted to older persons. This expansion of the Ombudsman's responsibilities aims to provide additional protection for elderly residents in senior housing communities, complementing existing oversight of traditional long-term care facilities. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment, allowing for prompt implementation of these new investigative and protective powers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5522