(a)  To the extent that this chapter, as interpreted by the department, conflicts with the statutes, regulations, or interpretations governing the sale or hire of real property, this chapter shall prevail.

(b)  Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, a provider for a continuing care retirement community may restrict or abridge the right of any resident, whether or not the resident owns an equity interest, to sell, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey any interest in the resident’s unit, and may require that the resident only sell, lease, or otherwise convey the interest to persons approved by the provider. Provider approval may be based on factors which include, but are not limited to, age, health status, insurance risk, financial status, or burden on the provider’s personnel, resources, or physical facility. The provider shall record any restrictions on a real property interest.

(c)  To the extent that this chapter conflicts with Sections 51.2 and 51.3 of the Civil Code, this chapter shall have precedence. A continuing care provider, at its discretion, may limit entrance based on age.

(d)  This chapter imposes minimum requirements upon any entity promising to provide, proposing to promise to provide, or providing continuing care.

(e)  This chapter shall be liberally construed for the protection of persons attempting to obtain or receiving continuing care.

(f)  A resident’s entry into a continuing care contract described in this chapter shall be presumptive evidence of the resident’s intent not to return to his or her prior residence to live for purposes of qualifying for Medi-Cal coverage under Sections 14000 et seq. of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Section 50425 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 820, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2001.)