New York Consolidated Laws, Public Health Law - PBH § 4650. Legislative purpose and findings

The legislature hereby finds and declares that congregate residential housing with supportive services in a home-like setting, commonly known as assisted living, is an integral part of the continuum of long term care.   Further, the philosophy of assisted living emphasizes aging in place, personal dignity, autonomy, independence, privacy and freedom of choice.

The intent of this article is to create a clear and flexible statutory structure for assisted living that provides a definition of assisted living residence;  that requires licensure of the residence;  that requires a written residency agreement that contains consumer protections;  that enunciates and protects resident rights;  and that provides adequate and accurate information for consumers, which is essential to the continued development of a viable market for assisted living.  Entities which hold themselves out as assisted living residences must apply for licensure and be approved by the state to operate as assisted living residences pursuant to this article, and must comply with the requirements of this article.