(a) As used in this section and section 19a-562a, “Alzheimer's special care unit or program” means any nursing facility, residential care home, assisted living facility, adult congregate living facility, adult day care center, hospice or adult foster home that locks, secures, segregates or provides a special program or unit for residents with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other similar disorder, in order to prevent or limit access by a resident outside the designated or separated area, or that advertises or markets the facility as providing specialized care or services for persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

(b) On and after January 1, 2007, each Alzheimer's special care unit or program shall provide written disclosure to any person who will be placed in such a unit or program or to that person's legal representative or other responsible party. Such disclosure shall be signed by the patient or responsible party and shall explain what additional care and treatment or specialized program will be provided in the Alzheimer's special care unit or program that is distinct from the care and treatment required by applicable licensing rules and regulations, including, but not limited to:

(1) Philosophy. A written statement of the overall philosophy and mission of the Alzheimer's special care unit or program that reflects the needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other similar disorders.

(2) Preadmission, admission and discharge. The process and criteria for placement within or transfer or discharge from the Alzheimer's special care unit or program.

(3) Assessment, care planning and implementation. The process used for assessing and establishing and implementing the plan of care, including the method by which the plan of care is modified in response to changes in condition.

(4) Staffing patterns and training ratios. The nature and extent of staff coverage, including staff to patient ratios and staff training and continuing education.

(5) Physical environment. The physical environment and design features appropriate to support the functioning of cognitively impaired adult residents.

(6) Residents' activities. The frequency and types of resident activities and the ratio of residents to recreation staff.

(7) Family role in care. The involvement of families and family support programs.

(8) Program costs. The cost of care and any additional fees.

(c) Each Alzheimer's special care unit or program shall develop a standard disclosure form for compliance with subsection (b) of this section and shall annually review and verify the accuracy of the information provided by Alzheimer's special care units or programs. Each Alzheimer's special care unit or program shall update any significant change to the information reported pursuant to subsection (b) of this section not later than thirty days after such change.

(P.A. 06-195, S. 55; P.A. 07-252, S. 15, 16, 60.)

History: P.A. 07-252 amended Subsec. (a) to extend applicability of definitions to Sec. 19a-562a and to substitute “or” for “and” in definition of “Alzheimer's special care unit or program” and made a technical change in Subsec. (c).