131D-8. Adult care home special care units; disclosure of information required.

(a) An adult care home licensed under this Part that provides care for persons in special care units as defined in G.S. 131D-4.6 shall disclose the form of care or treatment provided that distinguishes the special care unit as being especially designed for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition. The disclosure shall be in writing and shall be made to all of the following:

(1) The Department as part of its licensing procedures.

(2) Each person seeking placement within a special care unit, or the person's authorized representative, prior to entering into an agreement with the person to provide special care.

(3) The Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, annually, or more often if requested.

(b) Information that must be disclosed in writing shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(1) A statement of the overall philosophy and mission of the licensed facility and how it reflects the special needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition.

(2) The process and criteria for placement, transfer, or discharge to or from the special care unit.

(3) The process used for assessment and establishment of the plan of care and its implementation, including how the plan of care is responsive to changes in the resident's condition.

(4) Staffing ratios and how they meet the resident's need for increased care and supervision.

(5) Staff training that is dementia-specific.

(6) Physical environment and design features that specifically address the needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

(7) Frequency and type of programs and activities for residents of the special care unit.

(8) Involvement of families in resident care, and availability of family support programs.

(9) Additional costs and fees to the resident for special care.

(c) As part of its license renewal procedures and inspections, the Department shall examine for accuracy the written disclosure of each adult care home subject to this section. Substantial changes to written disclosures shall be reported to the Department at the time the change is made.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting an adult care home that does not offer a special care unit from admitting a person with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition. The disclosures required under this section apply only to an adult care home that advertises, markets, or otherwise promotes itself as providing a special care unit for persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

(e) As used in this section, the term "special care unit" has the same meaning as applies under G.S. 131D-4.6.