Prior to the passage of the Assisted Living Reform Act of 2004, assisted living was neither recognized nor defined in New York State law. Thanks to the leadership and strong advocacy efforts of ALFA, several of its provider members, and consumer groups, the Assisted Living Reform Act was passed in 2004.

New York’s seniors now have the opportunity to age in place with dignity, freedom of choice, and independence. Since the law’s enactment, NY ALFA has worked closely with the Department of Health on its implementation. The Association is represented on the New York State Department of Health Adult Care Facility and Assisted Living Task Force, and has provided input into the development of DOH guidelines for assisted living, draft regulations, and the final assisted living regulations which were adopted on March 26, 2008. NY ALFA will remain actively engaged as the Task Force considers recommendations for regulatory reform and considers approaches to greater affordability in assisted living.

Currently, out of the 275 + assisted living license applications pending before the Department of Health, 25 licenses have been issued. A recently settled lawsuit has cleared the way for the Department to resume issuing licenses after an approximately eighteen month delay.

We will continue to work closely with our members and the Department of Health to facilitate their licensure process.

<a href="http://www.nyalfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/NY-Provider-Member-Application.pdf">Download NY ALFA's Provider Membership Brochure for more information.</a>