BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1572 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 30, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 1572 (Eggman) - As Amended: April 8, 2014 Policy Committee: Aging and Long-Term CareVote: 7-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill grants resident councils and family councils at residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) additional rights, including the right to receive responses to council recommendations, freedom from willful interference from the RCFE, and a requirement that facilities promote councils to residents. It also allows the Department of Social Services (DSS) to assess civil penalties of $250 per day on RCFEs for violation of these newly defined rights. FISCAL EFFECT 1)Minor and absorbable one-time and ongoing costs to DSS to enforce the bill's provisions. 2)Unknown, likely minor penalty revenue, to the extent RCFEs are cited for non-compliance and fines are assessed and collected. COMMENTS 1)Purpose . The author believes this bill will enhance the ability of resident and family councils to provide open communication between RCFEs and their residents and family members. The author states RCFEs have come under scrutiny and this bill is a proactive effort to prevent incidents from occurring in facilities. 2)Background . RCFEs, or assisted living facilities, are licensed and overseen by DSS. RCFEs provide care, supervision and AB 1572 Page 2 assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, ambulating, grooming, and other personal activities. They may also provide incidental medical services under special care plans. Residents in RCFEs require varying levels of personal care and protective supervision. Resident and family councils allow for collaborative discussions about activities, dining services, housekeeping, and quality of life concerns with administration and staff. The Governor's 2014-15 budget proposes an additional 71.5 positions, as well as other enhancements, to allow the Continuing Care Licensing division of DSS to enhance their oversight of licensed facilities. Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081