A measure that would enhance protections for residents of assisted-living facilities in New Jersey is advancing in the Legislature.  The Assembly recently voted 79-0 to back a bill that would require the facilities to set up escrow funds that would only be tapped if the sites closed down — for any reason. 

The funds would pay for the continued care of residents who had been promised when they moved in to the facility that they would not be evicted once they become eligible for Medicaid.

The escrow money would cover their care costs at the subsequent facilities they live in after their current site closes.

The Nov. 22 vote in the Assembly sent the measure back to the Senate, where it will likely be considered in the next few weeks.

Under the bill, facilities seeking to surrender their operating license would first have to pay for actuarial services that would determine how much money must be set aside in escrow to continue to support its displaced residents. Read more in AP.