O'PAKE SAYS ASSISTED LIVING LAW
 MEANS GREATER CHOICE; GREATER PROTECTION OR SENIORS

          Harrisburg, July 27, 2007 -- Assisted Living legislation (SB 704) now signed into law (Act 56/2007) by the Governor "creates a newly defined level of care for seniors that offers greater choice and greater protection," according to Senator Michael A. O'Pake (D-Berks), a co-sponsor of the legislation.         
          The new licensure category defines a level of care between that of nursing homes and personal care homes.  Assisted living residences are designed to offer flexibility, providing varying degrees of care as a resident's preferences and needs change in a home-like environment with an individual's own living space and private bathroom, O'Pake said.
          "This new law is a win for seniors who are not to the point where they need nursing home care, who want to maintain their independence to the fullest extent possible, but who can no longer take care of themselves at home and need some help," O'Pake said.
          Up until the Governor signed Senate Bill 704 Wednesday, Pennsylvania was one of only 11 states that did not have a specific license for assisted living facilities.
          "Instead of announced inspections once every three years, the new law will safeguard the health and safety of seniors in the newly defined category of assisted living by requiring unannounced inspections of these facilities at least once a year," O'Pake said.
          The Department of Public Welfare is creating a new unit responsible for licensing and inspections of assisted living facilities, O'Pake added.
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