NJ.com published the following article on October 18, 2013. To read the full article, click here.

Safe havens for grandma and grandpa: Retirement community “Bill of Rights” becomes law

By Christopher Robbins/NJ.com 
on October 18, 2013 at 7:15 AM, updated October 18, 2013 at 7:26 AM

TRENTON – Senior citizens and the disabled now have a beacon to help guide them through the confusing waters of retirement and assisted living communities.

A bill sponsored by Senators Robert Singer and Jennifer Beck establishing a “Bill of Rights” for residents of continuing care retirement communities was signed into law by Governor Christie on Thursday.

“This bill establishes clear responsibilities concerning what care, information and basic living accommodations CCRC’s are required to provide,” Beck (R-Monmouth) said in a Thursday press release. “By assuring patients have access to their medical information it empowers them to take part in choices that directly affect their care and quality of life.”

The bill assures continuing care patients a right to see their own medical records and participate in their own medical decisions.

“This legislation gives senior residents appropriate rights and respect during what can be incredibly vulnerable times during their lives,” Singer (R-Monmouth) said. “A person’s right to manage key decisions about their healthcare is imminently personal and must be treated with respect.”

Residents of continuing care retirement communities would also have the right to leave and return to facilities at will, host guests and refuse to perform services for the facility.