Minutes - Quarterly Meeting - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA at 10:00 AM. 
He advised us that "well informed residents make us stronger and we share good ideas." Vernon King, President & CEO warmly welcomed us to Cross Keys Village and told us this building was opened spring of 2009. Pastor Merv Wunderlich led us in an opening prayer. We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting. First Vice President Ray Vaughan led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Second Vice President Bud Endler called the roll with eighteen (18) communities and PANPHA responding.

Program Chairman, Anton "Bud" Endler, introduced our speaker Nick Luciano, Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Manager, whose topic was "What is going on with Federal & State Governments that will Impact You."   Mr. Luciano began by telling us about the Pennsylvania Budget process. He led us through the one hundred and one (101) days of the Budget Crisis beginning with Governor Rendell's Budget announced in February 2009 thru the Budget Agreement in September 2009. The highlights of the Budget Agreement are $27.8 billion spending plan which is $400,000 less than last year with no increase in broad- based taxes, namely income and sales tax. The Budget eliminates 142 programs entirely, while reducing funding to 362 other programs. This Budget uses the entire states $755 million rainy day fund and relies on $2.6 billion in Federal Stimulus Funds.

The 2009-10 Budget winners are Public Education & Casinos. The losers are Higher Education, Community Revitalization Program (eliminated), Department of Environmental Protection (cut 31 %), State Prisons (cut 4%), Child Care Assistance (cut 12%), Libraries (cut 20%), Business Community ($500 million stock & franchise tax), Smokers ($.25 tax per pack of cigarettes), Gamblers ($200 million revenue to be generated on new table games with a 17% tax). The end result of the funding for Long Term Care ended up as flat funding as the Federal Stimulus Funds replaced the states reduction.

A source of frustration is a lack of communication between licensing agencies and senior care facilities. There is a perceived knowledge gap between provider's interpretation of regulations, and the licensing agency's implementation. Inconsistencies between regional offices are a source of additional frustration. House Bill 1429 provides that joint training will be held in each region to provide education on any new interpretation or guidance prior to implementation. House Bill 1839 & SB 1030 regulates Hospice Care in Personal Care Homes.

The Rendell Administration has proposed merging the DPW "Office of Long Term Living" and the Department of Aging into a single state agency. The Assisted Living regulations are not yet completed and PANPHA is still seeking some adjustments. A true "Informed Dispute Process" is needed as the DOH regional offices act as their own arresting officer, judge & jury .

Now for DC's Beltway - hottest button has been national discussion on Health Care Reform, Boncus Senate Bill (America's Healthy Food Act), HR 3200 (America's Affordable Health Care Choices Act), SB 1679 (Affordable Health Choices for America's Act), SB 391 (Healthy Americans Act) & HR 676 (United States National Health Care Act). Copies of this Power Point Presentation will be available at the next meeting.

Mr. Luciano ended his talk with "Who gets to Inherit this Mess?" He told us of the probable candidates for Governor and the current poll results and about the changing political tide in Pennsylvania.

The Secretary's minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Jerry Kemmerer, Treasurer gave the Treasurer's report from July 1,2009 through September 30,2009 with an ending balance of $1,741.02. It was approved as presented.

President George Tjiattas asked each member to bring a friend to the next meeting.

Anton "Bud" Endler, Vice President & Program Chair, spoke of future meetings and speakers. At the January meeting at Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg, PA, we will have a presentation by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Future topics include Changes in Medicare A & B & Medicaid, How Much Exercise is Enough, and What's Going On at the New Museum in Gettysburg, PA.

Old Business - Need Newsletter Editor & Nominating Committee Chairman.

New Business - Advocates - President Tjiattas appointed all PARCR Delegates as Advocates and recommended that PARCR renew our NaCCRA membership.

A delicious buffet luncheon was provided by Cross Keys Village which included a salad, soup, a luncheon plate and dessert. President Tjiattas announced "Getting to Know You" and asked that not more than two members of a community sit at the same table to enhance networking.

Anton "Bud" Endler, Vice President, called the roll and PARCR member communities reported on their special programs, construction updates and other activities.

Jeff Haring, Village Housing Manager, Cross Keys Village, told us about the history of Cross Keys Village. He emphasized the new Wellness Center Building and fifty-six (56) new apartments. Cross Keys Village celebrated one hundred (100) years of operation in 2008. It encompasses 250 acres and has 900 residents living in 311 cottages, a25 apartments, and 16 country homes. 95 Assisted Living Beds, 270 Health Care beds, 1 guest cottage, 2 guest apartments and 2 guest rooms. There are 400 members in their Wellness Program which includes a heated pool, heated therapy pool, a large cardiovascular room, creative arts room & a full service salon. They also have a service for gold carts and provide bulk TV coverage from a Satellite provider.. A memorial garden for both People and Pets is included. Loan programs are available if you choose to move in before your house is sold.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2:00 PM. Our next meeting will be held at Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg, PA on January 13, 2010.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                                                     Executive Committee Meetings

January 13, 2010 - Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg                                            Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 at Bethany Village

April 14, 2010 - Brethren Village, Mechanicsburg                                                  Monday, March 8, 2009 at Bethany Village

July 14, 2010 - Menno Haven, Chambersburg                                                       Monday, June 7, 2010 at Bethany Village

October 13, 2010 - Masonic Village, Elizabethtown                                              Monday, Sept. 13, 2010 at Bethany Village

April 13, 2011 - Garden Spot Village, New Holland                                               Monday, March 7, 2011 at Bethany Village 

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary

P.S. If you wish to host a future meeting in 2011, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee has the ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

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Minutes - Quarterly Meeting - Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - Luther Ridge Retirement Community, Chambersburg, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Luther Ridge, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania at 10:00AM.   Rachel Herrington, Executive Director warmly welcomed us to Luther Ridge.   Chaplin Herb Spooner led us in an opening prayer and a reading. We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting.   First Vice President Ray Vaughan led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.   Second Vice President Bud Endler called the Roll with eighteen (18) communities, plus NaCCRA and PANPHA responding.

President Tjiattas congratulated Julia Hix, Assistant Secretary of PARCR, who was recently elected NaCCRA’s Vice President, Legislation.

The Meeting Agenda was changed to accommodate our guest, Rev. John T. Mathison, President of NaCCRA. Rev. Mathison spoke of the many CCRC's in Pennsylvania who are members & who have residents who are members ofNaCCRA. He talked about his vision for NaCCRA in 2009-10; NaCCRA Opportunities Unlimited and the very good reasons for becoming a member of NaCCRA. A copy of “Lifeline", the NaCCRA newsletter was made available. Only about 12 states have been successful in securing a waiver of the “Provider Tax" or so called bed tax; AAHSA is willing to cooperate. He strongly recommended attendance at the joint AAHSA/NaCCRA meetings in Chicago on November 8 thru 11, 2009, which will have over 200 workshops. NaCCRA is emphasizing the need for housing for the middle & lower income groups. Studio apartments are being built to answer this need. Rev. Mathison also discussed the need to get residents on the Board of Directors of their communities. Currently, only 55% of CCRC's have residents on their Boards. He briefly talked about the "Stewardship of Hell", the enormous cost associated with maintaining a dementia patient through their final years and the necessity to fund a cure for this terrible disease.

Nick Luciano, PANPHA discussed the "ZOO" in Harrisburg, PA. There is no good news on the Budget which is at an impasse. PANPHA is waiting to see the final budget but expects flat funding across the board for all programs. On the legislative front, House Bill 29 sets forth regulation for long term care providers and legislation is being introduced to remove mandatory regulations so that Hospice patients do not have to participate in routine fire drills. Finally, the final Assisted Living regulations have been issued and are under study by PANPHA.

Program Chairman, Anton "Bud" Endler, introduced our program, "Dealing with Today's Economy". Eighteen representatives presented reports on what their communities were doing to meet this challenge. The reports covered a variety of subjects. They discussed the difficulties facing various communities related to the real estate market. It is important to understand that CCRC's operate on the need to have a 90 to 95% occupancy to be solvent. The conservation of energy, payment for external service programs, transportation, using facilities & staff more efficiently, staff reduction, limiting salary increases and other matters related to cost savings were outlined.

The major ideas that emerged were:
1. It is essential to keep costs under control;
2. An attitude of conservation must guide each village to insure financial stability;
3. A plan or policy (written) should be in place;
4. Careful Studies should be made related to energy, transportation costs, staffing and other related services;
5. Recycling should be encouraged
6. The establishment of a "Green Team" was recommended;
7. Endeavor to lock in energy costs whenever possible;
8. Consolidation of dining services should be considered;
9. Wages reductions, the elimination of overtime and use of agency staff were cited.

These were just a few of the many suggestions that were presented. The major theme was to PLAN, to CONSERVE, and to CONSOLIDATE. Even the smallest savings are important. It is our responsibility as Resident Leaders to encourage and support these important actions.

The Secretary's minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Richard Morris, Retiring Treasurer gave the Treasurer's report from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 had an ending balance of $1,755.62. He also presented the Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1,2009 and ending June 30, 2010. It was approved as presented.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, suggested each community form a legislative committee to act as a network contact for local, state and federal legislation, funneling information both to and from that community. Send your community names to Sarah Hughes (sbhughes@pa.net) and Julia Hix (juliahix@yahoo.com) and they will work to establish a network and be ready to share information as issues develop.

Anton "Bud" Endler, Vice President & Program Chair, spoke of future meetings and speakers. Russ McDaid, Vice President, Public Policy, PANPHA, will speak on October 14, 2009 at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA. His topic will be 'What is going on with State & Federal Government?"

A delicious buffet luncheon was provided by Luther Ridge which included a salad, a luncheon plate and dessert. President Tjiattas announced "Getting to Know You" and asked that, to enhance networking, not more than two members of one community sit at the same table.

Old Business -
1. AAHSA requested residents to notify your Congressman to reject President Obama's freeze on Medicare Payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities in 2010.
2. Our thanks to PANPHA for a booth at the PANPHA Conference & Exposition at Hershey, PA. We made some good contacts, met old friends and had a very good meeting.

New Business - Election of Officers - William George, Nominating Committee Chairman, provided the following slate of Officers. (Duly seconded and elected by a voice vote.)

President: George Tjiattas, Bethany Village
1st VP: Raymond Vaughan, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown
2nd VP: Anton "Bud' Endler, Homewood at Plum Creek
Secretary: Evert Fuller, Bethany Yillage
Asst. Secretary: Julia Hix, Foxdale Village
Treasurer: Gerald Kemmerer, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown
Asst. Treasurer: Robert Allen, Brethren Village

Anton "Bud" Endler, Vice President, called the Roll and PARCR member communities reported on their special programs, construction updates and other activities.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2 PM. Our next meeting will be held at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA on October 14, 2009.

Regular Quarterlv Meetings                                                          Executive Committee Meetings

October 14, 2009 - Cross Keys Village                                       Monday, Sept 14, 2009 - Bethany Village
January 13, 2010 - Messiah Village                                            Monday, Dec 7, 2009 - Bethany Village
April 14, 2010 - Brethren Village                                                  Monday, Mar. 5, 2010 - Bethany Village
July 14, 2010 - Menno Haven                                                        Monday, Jun. 7, 2010 - Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

EVERT FULLER, Secretary


P.S. lf your community wishes to host a meeting in 2010, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee has tbe ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

If you or your community has not renewed membership for the fiscal year July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, please forward a completed application and your remittance to Ev Fuller.
Please ask for a supply of application blanks, and invite your friends to become members of PARCR! 

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Minutes – Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, April 8, 2009 – Foxdale Village, State College, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Foxdale Village, State College, Pennsylvania at 10:00AM. Bill James, Executive Director warmly welcomed us to Foxdale Village. Mary Way led us in a silent opening prayer. We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting. Second Vice President Bud Endler called the roll with thirteen (13) communities and PANPHA responding.

The Secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

A Treasurer’s report was not available at the meeting. The PARCR Treasurer’s Report from July 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008 had an ending balance of $2,009.75.

Carol Wendel, Membership Chair, asked us to provide the name of Activities Directors at any non member community as she continued her pursuit of new Associate & Community members.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, reported that the Federal Budget was passed including the Stimulus Package Bill. Each recipient of Social Security will receive a check for $250. Receipt of federal stimulus funds has alleviated the most severe funding crisis in the Pennsylvania budget. The Office of Long Term Living and the Department of Aging are being merged and Michael Hall was recently confirmed as initial Secretary of Aging & Long Term Living. Assisted Living regulations should be finalized by November 2009. The Absentee Voting change will not be pursued as it requires a change in the Pennsylvania constitution.

Anton “Bud” Endler, Vice President & Program Chair, spoke of future meetings and speakers. On July 8, 2009 at Luther Ridge, Chambersburg, PA be prepared to discuss “What is happening in your community?” “How is the recession affecting you and your community?” Russ McDaid, Vice President, Public Policy, PANPHA, will speak on October 14, 2009 at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA. His topic will be “What is going on with State & Federal government?”

Julia Hix & Sarah Hughes, Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Residents Bill of Rights, reported that the Pennsylvania “Residents Bill of Rights” will not be pursued.

Julia Hix, Assistant Secretary, reported on her attendance at the NaCCRA Annual Meeting at Westminster at Lake Ridge, VA on Friday, April 3, 2009. Items discussed included the fact that nursing homes are too expensive & are closing and that the “Bed Tax” is being reintroduced under a different name. Julia suggested we visit the AAHSA web site to review pending Federal legislation.

Chris Glen, Member Advocacy & Special Initiatives Manager, PANPHA, advised that the Pennsylvania budget is being “flat funded.” Karen Crow, DPW, is implementing some ridiculous regulations including “hand sensitizer must be kept under lock & key.”

Anton “Bud” Endler, 2nd VP & Program Chair, introduced our speaker Joyce O’Brien, Senior Community Liaison, Public Protection Division of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Harrisburg, PA. Her topic was “Identity Theft.” She advised that 1 in 5 persons will be the victim of Identity theft. She offered the following advice to prevent becoming a victim – “Get your Social Security card out of your wallet!” Your pin number should not be your birthday or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number; do shred your financial & medical records; carefully monitor your credit card statements; order a copy of your credit report at least annually; and destroy unordered checks or credit cards. Fifty-eight billion dollars is charged off to identity theft each year. It takes about 15 months to discover Identity Theft and you may be responsible for a minimum of $50 unless waived by the credit card company. Last but not least, change your passwords & pin numbers periodically.

A delicious sit down luncheon was provided by Foxdale Village which included a salad, soup, a luncheon plate and dessert. President Tjiattas announced “Getting to Know You” and asked that not more than two members of a community sit at the same table to enhance networking.

No “Old Business.”

No “New Business”

In our Educational Component, Tim Potts, Democracy Rising Pennsylvania, spoke about collusion between our legislature and judiciary stating that we have the most corrupt legislature in the United States. He sited the gambling law as the prime example of abuse as the legislature & courts ignored the 3 day waiting period, single subject rule and original purpose rule to rush the bill through the legislature & then being OK’d by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. As an example of public official corruption, he sited the judges in Northeastern Pennsylvania who were arrested for taking brides to steer juvenile delinquents into certain foster care facilities. As this investigation was carried out by the FBI, Mr. Potts believes that the federal government must clean up the corruption in Pennsylvania because our courts won’t police themselves. His organization has a group of volunteers called “Local Eyes” & he is looking for additional members to track governmental & judicial corruption.

Anton “Bud” Endler, Vice President, called the roll and PARCR member communities reported on their special programs, construction updates and other activities.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2: PM. Our next meeting will be held at Luther Ridge, Chambersburg, PA on July 8, 2009.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                                  Executive Committee Meetings.

July 8, 2009 – Luther Ridge                                                                   Monday, June 8, 2009 at Bethany Village

October 14, 2009 – Cross Keys Village                                             Monday, September 14, 2009 at Bethany Village

January 13, 2010 – Messiah Village                                                  Monday, December 7, 2009 at Bethany Village

April 14, 2010 – Open                                                                            Monday, March 5, 2010 at Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary

P.S. If you wish to host a meeting in 2010, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee has the ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

Reminder: 2009 PANPHA Annual Conference & Exposition will be held on June 24 & 25, 2009 at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA. PARCR needs volunteers to staff our booth.

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Minutes - Quarterly Meeting - Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Sprenkle Village, York, Pennsylvania at 10:00 AM.  Ray Vaughn, First Vice President, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Melissa Hadley, Executive Director, warmly welcomed us to Bethany Village.  The Rev. Jim Browning led us in the opening prayer.  We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting.  Second Vice President Bud Endler called the roll with seventeen (17) communities and PANPHA responding.

The Secretary's minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Richard Morris, Treasurer, delivered the PARCR Treasury Report covering the period from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.  The ending balance was $3,178.84.  The Treasurer's Report was approved as read.

Carol Wendel, Membership Chair, asked us to solicit members of our own communities to be Associate members and she is continuing to contact non member communities.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, reported on the proposed Assisted Living Regulations which are still in process. Younger Disabled people are asking for larger rooms and tougher regulations.  (Also,) she asked the question "Does PARCR want to support either form of early voting?"  By voice vote, PARCR favors early voting and absentee voting for seniors.

Anton "Bud" Endler, Vice President & Program Chair, spoke of future meetings and speakers.  Joyce O'Brien, of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will speak at the April meeting at Foxdale Village, State College, PA.  The topic will be "Identification Theft."  Russ McDaid, Vice President, Public Policy, PANPHA, will speak on July 8, 2009 at Luther Ridge, Chambersburg, PA.  His topic will be "State & Federal Regulations Affecting Seniors".

Julia Hix & Sarah Hughes, Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Residents Bill of Rights, reported on their progress in preparing a draft of a Pennsylvania "Residents Bill of Rights."  A draft of that document is enclosed.  (See, Legislative Topics) 

Anton "Bud" Endler, 2nd VP & Program Chair, introduced our speaker Elder Law Attorney Jan Brown, of Jan L. Brown & Associates, Harrisburg, PA.  Her topic was "Joint Ownership, Good or Bad?"  She discussed the pros and cons of Joint Ownership.  Her advice, "Stay out of court", "Executor should be under 60 years of age"; "Co-executors are bad as they slow down the process";  "Bankers also slow down the Estate settlement";  "Joint Ownership is bad (apart from spouse).  Don't put children's name on assets."  Also... the Capital Gains Tax increasing from 15% to 20%.  The terms of the will should be followed for all assets.  The Federal Gift Tax allows you to give money to family and charity up to one million dollars;  $13,000 to each sibling.  You may not qualify for Medicaid if you give away $'s within 5 years.

A delicious sit-down luncheon was provided by Bethany Village which included a salad, soup, a luncheon plate and dessert.  President Tjiattas announced "Getting to Know You" and asked that not more than two members of a facility sit at the same table to enhance networking.

Chris Glen, Member Advocacy & Special Initiatives Manager, PANPHA, spoke about the necessity of contacting legislators regarding Federal & State proposed legislation and urged us to become advocates.  He also recommended we write our new representatives in the House and Senate and make them aware of our advocacy.

Sandy Reed, Wellness Director at Bethany Village, told us via a Power Point presentation about the many and varied wellness programs at Bethany Village.  They range from programs designed for emotional, intellectual & physical stimulation to snowboarding at Ski Roundtop and tubing down the Yellow Breeches Creek.

Anton "Bud" Endler, Vice President, called the roll and PARCR member communities reported on their special programs, construction updates and other activities.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2: PM.  Our next meeting will be held at Foxdale Village, State College, PA on April 8, 2009.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                                       Executive Committee Meetings 

April 8, 2009 - Foxdale Village                                                                     Monday, March 9, 2009 at Bethany Village

July 8, 2009 - Luther Ridge                                                                          Monday, June 8, 2009 at Bethany Village

October 14, 2009 - Cross Keys Village                                                      Monday, September 14, 2009 at Bethany Village

January 13, 2009 - Messiah Village                                                            Monday, December 7, 2009 at Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary

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Minutes – Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, October 8, 2008 – Sprenkle Village, York, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Sprenkle Village, York, Pennsylvania at 10:00AM. Ray Vaughn, First Vice President led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kate Saidis, Executive Director warmly welcomed us to Sprenkle Village. Chaplin Gustav Steinhilber led us in the opening prayer. We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting. Second Vice President Bud Endler called the roll with seventeen (17) communities and PANPHA responding.

Anton “Bud” Endler, 2nd VP & Program Chair, introduced our speaker Dr. Flavius Lilly, Vice President, Quality & Strategy Development, Memorial Hospital, York, PA, whose topic was “Future Trends in Health Care.” The three (3) biggest problems in American health are: 1. Access – over 53 million people are uninsured; 2, Quality – Is it good? How do we know? And 3. Expense – are health care providers worth that much? Prices continue to increase. The five (5 ) things changing health care are Baby Boomers expecting & demanding better medical care; Chronic Disease equals 75% of the cost & is preventable; Digitization (by 2012 we may have total robotic surgery in the military); Transparency (sharing of information) & Consumerism.

Dr. Lilly asked “Do you get what you pay for in health care? We don’t know! There is no relationship between cost & expense. The US ranks dead last in terms of patient satisfaction in the world. Two (2) internet sources to obtain information on doctor and hospitals are Leap Frog.com & Health Grades.com, which ranks doctors & hospitals.

If contemplating surgery, you should ask the surgeon if this is the only type of surgery he does. If the answer is no, get another surgeon. Also ask about his complication rate.

The Secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Richard Morris, Treasurer, delivered the PARCR Treasury Report covering the period from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008. The ending balance was $3,857.07. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

George Tjiattas, President, discussed a recent article appearing in the Patriot News authored by Ron Barth, President of PANPHA entitled “Blueprint due for Long Term Care”.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, reported on active legislation. There were some small victories this year including a Medicare Bill that passed Congress in July & the final Pennsylvania budget provided a 1% increase for skilled nursing care facilities. The proposed new regulations for assisted living facilities present problems, i.e., will your facility be able to get assisted living approval and at what cost?

Anton “Bud” Endler, Program Chair, spoke of future meetings and speakers. Elder Law Attorney Jan Brown will be our speaker at the January meeting at Bethany Village. Her topic will be “Joint Ownership, Good or Bad?” Joyce O’Brien, of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will speak at the April meeting at Foxdale Village, State College, PA. The topic will be “Identification Theft.”

Richard Morris, Treasurer & Internet Guru, discussed the PARCR web site, which can be accessed at parcr.org.

Chester Brown and Howard Wittel, Masonic Village audit PARCR’s financial records for the period from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008 and based on the review, there are no material modifications required in the audit statement relating to income and disbursements.
A delicious buffet luncheon was provided by Sprenkle Village which included a salad, soup, a luncheon plate and dessert. President Tjiattas announced “Getting to Know You” and asked that not more than two members of a facility sit at the same table to enhance networking.

Bud Endler, Bylaws Chair reported that the PARCR Bylaws were reviewed by an attorney at Homewood at Plum Creek and no additions or corrections are needed at this time

Julia Hix & Sarah Hughes, Residents Bill of Rights Co-chairs are still in the process of developing this document. It will include the right of self determination and the right to be heard & taken seriously.

Robert Allen, Insurance Committee Chair advised that Directors & Officers liability insurance was not needed by PARCR at this time.

Stuart Dickson, Green Ridge Village, Newsletter Editor, has resigned and his resignation was accepted with regret. Stuart has served PARCR since its inception and his long and faithful service has been greatly appreciated by all, We will miss his very informative newsletter. This position needs a volunteer.

No “Old Business.”

No “New Business”

Chris Glen, Member Advocacy & Special Initiatives Manager, PANPHA, spoke about the necessity of contacting legislators regarding Federal & State proposed legislation and urged us to become advocates..

Kate Saidis, Executive Director, Sprenkle Village, told us via a power point presentation about “The Journey of Cultural Change at The Village at Sprenkle Village” which provides residents the “comforts of home.” It is person centered care, resident empowerment, challenges for their employees & the outcome for residents of more choices, feeling at home, enhanced day to day living & building friendships.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2: PM. Our next meeting will be held at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, PA on January 14, 2009.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                                Executive Committee Meetings.

January 14, 2009 – Bethany Village                                                 Monday, December 1, 2008 at Bethany Village

April 8, 2009 – Foxdale Village                                                          Monday, March 9, 2009 at Bethany Village

July 8, 2009 – Luther Ridge                                                               Monday, June 8, 2009 at Bethany Village

October 14, 2009 – Cross Keys Village                                         Monday, September 14, 2009 at Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary

P.S. If you wish to host a meeting in 2010, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee has the ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

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Minutes – Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, July 9, 2008 – Quincy Village, Quincy, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Quincy Village, Quincy, Pennsylvania at 10:00AM. Ray Vaughn, First Vice President led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill Smith introduced Hope Manning, Assistant Executive Director, who warmly welcomed us to Quincy Village. Dick Irvin, Resident Council President also welcomed us to their village. The Reverend John Ile, Chaplin led us in the opening prayer. We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting. Second Vice President Bud Endler called the roll with seventeen (17) communities and PANPHA responding.

The Secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Ev Fuller, Secretary, reported on the NaCCRA meeting held on April 3 & 4, 2008 at Ingleside at Rock Creek, Washington, DC and listed future PARCR meetings.

Robert Allen, Brethren Homes, Assistant Treasurer delivered the PARCR Treasury Report covering the period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. The ending balance was $2,009.42. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Carol Wendel, Membership Chair, sent a written report that she had written letters to twenty six (26) communities and is awaiting replies.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, reported on active legislation, the most significant being the Federal Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. This bill, H.R. 6331 passed the House of Representatives & Senate bill # S. 3101 was also passed. Note: It was vetoed by President Bush but was over ridden by both the House and Senate.

Anton “Bud” Endler, Program Chair, advised that Dr. Flavius Lilly, PHD, Vice President of Organizational Development at Hanover Hospital will be our speaker at the October meeting at Sprenkle Village, York, PA. His topic will be “Future Trends in Health Care.” At the January 2009 meeting at Bethany Village, Elder Law Attorney Jan Brown will discuss “Joint Ownership, Good or Bad?”

Stuart Dickson, Green Ridge Village, Newsletter Editor, asked that information for the newsletter be sent to him from all communities belonging to PARCR for inclusion in the newsletter.

Russ McDaid, Vice President for Public Policy, PANPHA spoke briefly about the state budget and urged us to be aware of pending legislation.

No “Old Business.”

New Business – In the absence of William George, Nominating Chair, President Tjiattas read the slate of officers which are President George Tjiattas, 1st VP Ray Vaughan, 2nd VP Anton Endler, Secretary Evert Fuller, Assistant Secretary Julia Hix, Treasurer Richard Morris & Assistant Treasurer Robert Allen. The nominations were closed by motion and the nominees elected.

The budget for the new fiscal year was approved with total income projected at $4,037.17 and expenses of $4,060.

Dr. Tjiattas also appointed Anton Endler as Chair of the new Bylaws Committee; Robert Allen as Chair of the new Insurance Committee & Julia Hix & Sarah Hughes as Co-Chairs of the “Residents Bill of Rights” Committee.

Chris Glen, Member Advocacy & Special Initiatives Manager, PANPHA, spoke about the necessity of contacting legislators regarding Federal & State proposed legislation and urged us to become advocates..

Bill Smith, Quincy Village, introduced our speaker R. Thomas Murphy, Attorney at Law, Waynesboro, PA, a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, who spoke about “Elder Law & Taxes”. The four (4) documents needed by senior citizens are a Will, Power of Attorney, Mental Health Power of Attorney & a Living Will. It is extremely important to update these documents periodically. A Living Will is necessary to carry out your final arrangements as the actual “Will” is not usually read until after the funeral.

The March 2006 PA Act 43 provides that “if someone becomes indigent & a ward of the state, the state can go after family members for reimbursement of nursing home charges without a “time limit.” You may gift up to $12,000 a year without tax consequences. The penalty for excess gifting is the cost of the nursing home daily rate divided by the dollar amount given away. The spending of marital resources for nursing home costs is limited to prevent total impoverishment of the community spouse but also requires minimum impoverishment and “spend down” of marital resources. Long Term Care Policy & the Care Assurance or Benevolent Fund is very important in covering nursing homes costs

A delicious buffet luncheon was provided by Quincy Village which included a salad, soup, a luncheon plate and dessert. President Tjiattas instituted “Getting to Know You” and asked that not more than two members of a facility sit at the same table to enhance networking.

Clif Rau, President of Quincy Model Railroad Club, talked about the history & future expansion of their model railroad. The members belong to the “Caboose Club” and have an informational newsletter “Keeping on Track”.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2: PM Our next meeting will be held at Sprenkle Village, York, PA on October 8, 2008.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                            Executive Committee Meetings.

October 8, 2008 – Sprenkle Village                                               Monday, September 8, 2008 at Bethany Village

January 14, 2009 – Bethany Village                                              Monday, December 8, 2008 at Bethany Village

April 8, 2009 – Foxdale Village                                                       Monday, March 9, 2009 at Bethany Village

July 8, 2009 – Luther Ridge                                                            Monday, June 8, 2009 at Bethany Village

October 14, 2009 – Cross Keys Village                                       Monday, September 14, 2009 at Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary
P.S. If you wish to host a meeting in 2010, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee has the ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

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Minutes – Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, April 9, 2008 – Woodcrest Villa, Lancaster, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by President George Tjiattas at Woodcrest Villa, Lancaster, Pennsylvania at 10:05. Ray Vaughn, First Vice President led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We were greeted by Nan Rush, Vice President of Residential Living at Woodcrest Villa who informed us they had just opened their first two (2) culture change “households.” Chaplin Mim Cruz led us in the opening prayer. We enjoyed the coffee, tea, juice and pastries prior to the meeting. Second Vice President Bud Endler called the roll with twenty (20) communities responding.

The Secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Ev Fuller, Secretary, provided handouts for firearms/weapon policies and information on PPL Energy survey.

Richard Morris, Garden Spot Village, Treasurer delivered the PARCR Treasury Report covering the period from July 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008. The ending balance was $2,002.60. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Carol Wendel, Membership Chair, reported on attending a meeting of the Lancaster Association of Senior Service Providers held at Homestead Village, Lancaster, PA. Carol introduced Dixie Robinson and Lorraine Spohr, visitors from Moravian Manor.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, reported on President Bush’s budget which proposes severe cuts in Medicare & Medicaid funding; both NaCCRA & PANPHA are asking us to contact our legislators about Senate Bill # S.450 and House Bill # H.R. 5268 regarding the repeal of Medicare payment caps; Governor Rendell’s Pennsylvania budget which does not include an increase in state Medical Assistance rates for nursing home care and the formulation of regulations for the licensing of assisted living facilities and personal care homes.

Anton “Bud” Endler, Program Chair, advised that R. Thomas Murphy, Attorney, will be our speaker at the July meeting at Quincy, PA. His topic will be “Elder Law & Taxes.” At the October meeting at Sprenkle Village, Dr. Flavius Lilly, PHD, Vice President of Organizational Development at Hanover Hospital will speak on “Future Trends in Health Care.” At the January 2009 meeting at Bethany Village, Elder Law Attorney Jan Brown will discuss “Joint Ownership, Good or Bad?” In April 2009, a panel will tell us “What is the most fun thing you do at your community?”

Stuart Dickson, Green Ridge Village, Newsletter Editor, asked that information be sent to him from all communities belonging to PARCR for inclusion in the newsletter.

No “Old Business.”

No “New Business.”

Chris Glen, Member Advocacy & Special Initiatives Manager, PANPHA, spoke about the necessity of contacting your legislators regarding the Federal & State Budgets and the proposed regulations for assisted Living facilities and nursing homes.

Julia Hix, Assistant Secretary, introduced our speaker Katherine C. Pearson, Professor of Law, the Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University, who spoke about “CCRC’s Promises and Pitfalls”. Professor Pearson joined The Dickinson School of Law in 1995 and later formed the Elder Law Clinic.

The most frequent complaint is from residents that feel “trapped” as they cannot move to another CCRC without incurring a major financial loss. Residents are also concerned about marketing promises; tension between cost and financial ability; about governance and concerns by family members over post death transfer or refund problems. Potential CCRC residents need an educational program more than they need legal advice as most attorneys don’t understand the CCRC documents. Trends include some CCRC’s promising full spectrum of care but not delivering on their promises; increased regulations for assisted living and nursing facilities, CCRC’s are not excluded; expansion – 160 CCRC’s 2 years ago, now there are 230 CCRC’s in Pennsylvania and “bed tax” or fee for nursing facilities.

Pennsylvania Insurance Department regulates CCRC’s because the contract looks more like an insurance contract than anything else. Most CCRC’s have a good financial structure. Residents are questioning the rising maintenance fees and fee structures and are not getting promised services. Professor Pearson recommends a standardization of CCRC contracts in Pennsylvania.

“Residents Rights” include the right to organize; right of self governance; consulting with residents on expansion and that facilities have some form of dispute resolution including arbitration. Maryland requires a dispute resolution, Pennsylvania does not. Items of concern to residents include the steep increase in maintenance fees (over 5% considered excessive); transportation used to be covered, but now it is fee based and problems with refundable deposits.

Questions – Does management have a fiduciary obligation to residents? Is there a conflict between fiduciary duties to corporation vs. duties to residents? These questions generated many questions and comments from attending members.

A delicious buffet luncheon was provided by Woodcrest Villa which included a salad, soup, a luncheon plate and dessert plus an ice cream machine with vanilla/raspberry and chocolate ice cream. President Tjiattas instituted “Getting to Know You” and asked that not more than two members of a facility sit at the same table to enhance networking.

Nelson Kling, CEO, Woodcrest Villa and John Sauder, Vice President of Health Services, Mennonite Homes gave us a brief history of the Mennonite Homes which was started in 1903 because of a need to take care of widows & widowers. Ten years ago, they built a health center. They recently completed a renovation of their health car facilities to create a “homelike” environment referred to as “culture change”. The journey to choose a new model for health care included changing the incorrect model of a hospital and putting the word “home” back into nursing facilities. They are constructing or renovating seven (7) new “households” for a total of 190 beds, two of the buildings will be for residents in need of memory support care. Two (2) “households” have been completed & transfer of residents is going smoothly.

Bud Endler, 2nd Vice President asked for comments from the floor and conducted a “community sharing” in which members could share pertinent information about their community.

President George Tjiattas adjourned the meeting at 2: PM Our next meeting will be held at Quincy Village, Quincy, PA on July 9, 2008.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                                    Executive Committee Meetings.

July 9, 2008 – Quincy Village                                                                 Monday, June 9, 2008 at Bethany Village

October 8, 2008 – Sprenkle Village                                                     Monday, September 8, 2008 at Bethany Village

January 14, 2009 – Bethany Village                                                    Monday, December 8, 2008 at Bethany Village

April 8, 2009 – Open                                                                              Monday, March 9, 2009 at Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary

P.S. If you wish to host a meeting in 2009, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee has the ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

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Minutes – Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday, January 9, 2008 – Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA

The PARCR meeting was called to order by First Vice President Raymond Vaughan at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania at 10:10 AM who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We were greeted by Ray Tierney, COO, Retirement Living, Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania. Bill Davis, COO, Health Care Services, Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania presented a Power Point presentation on Advocacy which delivered the message that we must advocate our position both in Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC. We were asked to appoint a Member Advocacy Coordinator (MAC) in each community. When you read information in the newspaper, it is usually too late to act. Our nonprofit status allows us to advocate for issues but not for candidates. Rev. A. Preston VanDeursen led us in the opening prayer. We were welcomed by the newly elected president of the RLRA, Ray Betz. We enjoyed the coffee, tea and pastries prior to the meeting.

The Secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting were approved as mailed to the members.

Ev Fuller, Secretary, reported on the web site being sold, made available copies of the NaCCRA Lifeline & Garden Spot “Security Presentation”, discussed the need for a nonprofit postal permit and provided a handout on “Standby Power Use of Residential Appliances.”

Richard Morris, Garden Spot Village, Treasurer delivered the PARCR Treasury Report covering the period from July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. The ending balance was $2,653.51. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Carol Wendel, Membership Chair, reported on efforts to secure new CCRC members for PARCR and asked for assistance from any PARCR member who knew a resident of a nonmember CCRC.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chair, reported that she was newly appointed to the position and had established a connection with the office of Senator Vance to secure pending legislation and will have a full report at the April meeting.

Anton “Bud” Endler, Program Chair, advised that Katherine C. Pearson, Professor of Law, Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University, will be our speaker at the April meeting.

Stuart Dickson, Green Ridge Village, Newsletter Editor, asked that information be sent to him from all communities belonging to PARCR for inclusion in the newsletter.

No “Old Business.”

Under “New Business”, a resolution was passed “Best Wishes to George Tjiattas and his wife, Marilyn for a speedy recovery”.

1st Vice President Vaughan introduced Russ McDaid, Vice President of PANPHA who spoke briefly on “The Goals of PANPHA for 2008” and stressed the importance of advocacy in 2008. He introduced his associate, Chris Glen, PANPHA, who advised that the government will make a decision with or without us and we need to input our opinion before legislation is passed.

Chet Brown, outgoing Secretary of Masonic Village Residents Council, introduced our speaker John M. Levitski, Regional Director, PPL Electric Corporation who spoke on “Energy Deregulation and Its Consequences.” In 1998, competition and a rate cap were introduced in Pennsylvania. The rate cap is coming off in 2009 and we will see a significant increase in the cost of electricity in 2010 of approximately 34 ½%. To keep the increase as low as possible, PPL Electric Corporation has instituted a policy of buying kilowatt hours through a bid process. They secure six (6) bids from providers and select the lowest. Their cost to produce electricity has increased significantly since the cap was instituted due to rising fuel cost, equipment maintenance and environmental regulations.

PPL Electric Corporation has five (5) million customers throughout the world including US, Canada & South America. They generate electricity in the following manner: coal = 55%; nuclear = 30%; Oil & gas = 8%; Hydro = 7%.

Mr. Levitski mentioned the “phantom” cost of electricity which includes almost every household appliance including audio equipment, battery operated devices, home automation and security, small kitchen appliances, home office equipment, telephone equipment, TV’s, & VCR’s and “white” goods. What can we do going forward? Be informed, visit the PPL Web site “E” Power & use the tools provided to reduce electrical usage and your costs. Forbes magazine recently named PPL Electric Corporation as the “Best Managed Public Utility in the USA”.

Questions solicited the following information: The US electric grid has been improved considerably; PPL has added account managers to assist communities in reducing energy cost; alternative energy sources include wind, green roof with plants, rain water circulation and methane gas projects from solid waste dumps, all of which are very expensive at this time; Age of their nuclear facilities (1st plant loaded in 1980 with a 30 year life expectancy; now asking for a 10 year extension); building a 3rd nuclear plant in Berwick County with a “packaged design” which has been pre-approved; the recent ice storm presented a tremendous challenge; a new transmission corridor is going to be built running from West Virginia to New Jersey; the cost for underground lines is 4 times more than overhead lines & maintaining them is much more expensive; scrubbers are being installed in their coal fired plants. Their corporate outlook is very favorable; they have existing capital to meet expected load. Due to the rate cap, the consumer benefited from lower rates for the past 10 years.

Chet Brown blessed our meeting and the food we were served. A delicious “sit down” luncheon was provided by Masonic Village included a salad, a luncheon plate and dessert.

2nd Vice President Bud Endler, called the roll of member communities of PARCR and Associate Members who had registered for this meeting.

Frank Stoltzfus, Agriculture Production Supervisor, of the 1400 acre farm at Masonic Village presented a Power Point presentation showing the farm operation. 650 acres are in orchard; the remaining acreage in ½ hay & ½ grain. They had the #1 herd of cows at the Farm Show this year. They have 190 short horn cows and they produce about 400 babies per year by embryo transfer using 3 donor cows. Most of their revenue comes from the sale of breeding stock, sale of show cattle & beef sold at the company store. They sold $15,000 worth of bull semen last year. All crops are used. The orchard has 25 varieties of apples, 9 varieties of peaches, strawberries, pears, plums & nectarines. They do not use any hormones or steroids in their operation.

1st Vice President Vaughan adjourned the meeting at 2: PM Our next meeting will be held at on April 9, 2008.

Regular Quarterly Meetings                                                                     Executive Committee Meetings.

April 9, 2008 – Woodcrest Villa                                                                Monday, March 10, 2008 at Bethany Village

July 9, 2008 – Quincy Village                                                                   Monday, June 9, 2008 at Bethany Village

October 8, 2008 – Sprenkle Village                                                       Monday, September 8, 2008 at Bethany Village

January 14, 2009 – Bethany Village                                                     Monday, December 8, 2008 at Bethany Village

Respectfully submitted,

Evert Fuller, Secretary

P.S. If you wish to host a meeting in 2009, please advise as soon as possible. The Executive Committee will have the ultimate responsibility for approving future meeting sites.

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Click on the links below to view other quarterly meeting Minutes on-line.  You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program to view these .pdf files.  If you don't have that program, first click here for a free download and installation.   

October 2007          July 2007     April 2007     January 2007

October 2006         July 2006     April 2006     January 2006

October 2005         July 2005      Contact the PARCR secretary if there is a need for prior minutes.

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HISTORICAL REPORTS OF PARCR LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE:

Report of the PARCR Legislative Committee, January 13, 2010, presented at the quarterly meeting of that date:

1. Pennsylvania General Assembly
Last week, on January 6, the legislature passed, then Governor Rendell signed the bill taxing licenses and profits of table games at casinos, which finalized the state budget for this fiscal year. Little else has happened in this long legislative session and little is expected to happen for the next two to three weeks. Through complex funding maneuvers medical assistance payments to long-term care facilities will receive essentially the same level of funding as last year

Michael Hall was confirmed as Secretary of Aging, but there has been no action in the Senate on HB 1152, which would move substantial parts of the Department of Public Welfare budget to a new Department of Aging and Long Term Care.

PANPHA's legislative director Nick Luciano expects little other legislative action soon, with the possible exception of HB 2192, a bill which would allow municipalities and counties to levy a tax on up to 25 percent of the assessed value of real property of tax-exempt charitable (non-governmental) properties in return for public services rendered.

2. Assisted Living Regulations
No final version of the regulations has been published by the Department of Public Welfare.

3. National Health Reform
The Senate and House health care reform bills are presently in conference for reconciliation. Of the many issues in those bills, I want to touch on only two: a long-term care insurance(or CLASS) program and limits on therapy payments under Medicare.

AAHSA strongly supports provisions for setting up a national long-term care insurance plan. Known as the CLASS Act, the program is included in both House and Senate health reform bills, though with slightly different provisions. It would encourage people to subscribe to the relatively affordable long-term care insurance at a young age, thus relieving eventual costs of Medicaid.

In 1997 Congress passed a budget bill that put a dollar limit on the amount that Medicare could reimburse any individual in a calendar year for physical, speech, or occupational rehabilitation therapy that occurred outside an inpatient hospital setting.
A patient must pay 100 percent of therapy costs above the cap. The gross unfairness of this policy to many, for instance a stroke victim, has led to 13 years of moratoriums or annual exceptions, in which a physician may certify that a patient needs additional reimbursed therapy. As of Jan 1, 2010, a cap on combined speech and physical therapy of $1,860 and a similar amount for occupational therapy is in effect. The House health reform bill has a two-year exception provision, while the Senate bill has a one-year exception. Two bills, HR43 and S 46, would each repeal the outpatient therapy cap permanently. In mid-February there will active lobbying on this issue. As every senior is only one fall from needing therapy, I hope many of you will respond to requests for advocacy on this issue. More information is available from the American Physical Therapy Association at www.apta.org.

Sarah Hughes, Legislative Chairperson

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Report of the PARCR Legislative Committee July 8, 2009 presented at the Quarterly Meeting of that date:

Recently you received a legislative alert from AAHSA - via NaCCRA and PARCR.  Hopefully you were able to share the alert with members of your community.  As this year progresses, there will be other urgent messages from legislative bodies that are of importance to seniors and especially to residents of CCRC's.  As we all know, legislators respond to well informed constituents.  Our aim is to keep you informed and provide the information you need in contacting your legislators.  Bothe PANPHA and AAHSA have been diligent in following legislation that concerns seniors.  Our job is to provide the network to get the messages and information out to members of our communities so that they can research the issues and respond.

We suggest that each community form a legislative committee to act as a network contact for local, state, and federal legislation, funneling information both to and from that community.  Please discuss this suggestion and if possible select/appoint one person from each community committee to be the contact person.

Send names to Sarah Hughes and Julia Hix.  We will work over the summer to establish a network and be ready to share information as issues develop.

Sarah Hughes
717-776-9436
 sbhughes@pa.net 
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 Report of the PARCR Legislative Committee January 14, 2009 presented at the January 14 meeting in Mechanicsburg:             
     Although both the Pennsylvania Legislature and the federal Congress have reconvened, there has been little substantive action. There are 33 new faces m the 2009-2010 Pennsylvanla legislature. Republicans are a majority in the Senate with 29 members to 20 Democrats; in the House, there are 104 Democrats and 99 Republicans. Senator Joseph Scarnati will serve as both President Pro Temp and Lt. Governor after the passing of Catherine Baker Knoll.                                                                              
     Early voting is not allowed in Pennsylvania, although it is practiced now in more than 30 other states. This difference in state practice created some confusion in the past national election. Some of my neighbors received absentee ballots in the mail with the suggestion that they could cast them if they wished. However, in this state absentee ballots may be legally used by those who will be out of town, hospitalized, or are disabled or incapacitated as verified by a physician. Several state lawmakers have announced that they plan to introduce legislation to allow voters to cast ballots prior to election day. Another possibility, practiced in some states is to allow anyone over a certain age, usually 60 or 65, to cast an absentee ballot if desired. Rep. Mike McGeehan of Philadelphia plans to sponsor a bill to do this. I have not been able to ascertain how much support there might be for such legislation. One of the main arguments for any form of early voting is that it helps avoid long lines at precincts, which are especially onerous for those of us who find standing painful. Does PARCR want to support either form of early voting? [If so, we request the Secretary to write a letter of support; I will supply the necessary information about bill sponsors and numbers.]
     Assisted Living regulations have not yet been issued by the Department of Public Welfare. In late October the Independent         Regulatory Review Commission returned the draft regulations to DPW, saying they needed to better distinguish the assisted living category from that of personal care homes; to better spell out how they came up with various rules; and what their impact would be.
     At about the same time, Gov. Rendell appointed Michael Hall as Secretary of Aging and gave him responsibility for coordinating and unifying all long term care services across the Aging and Public Welfare Departments. Hall, who had been Director of the Office of Long Term Living, came to Pennsylvania from Maine with a reputation for lowering costs of providing low-income senior health care by increasing community and home-based care and moving patients out of nursing homes. Secretary Hall announced that the final assisted living regulations will be published by January 31, 2009, but PANPHA does not expect the finalized version to be available before early March. Hall still hopes they will go into effect by July 1, 2009.
     One of the controversial issues that has delayed these new rules is the fact that younger disabled people are asking for larger rooms and tougher regulations, while advocates for facilities serving seniors have sought to qualify rooms smaller than 175 square feet for the assisted living license, as well as modifying other aspects of the rules that would make such a license very expensive for older buildings. A Department of Aging press release indicated that the "key challenge...is [to] sufficiently upgrade standards without making requirements so expensive for providers that few of them will enter the field." [10/22/2008]
     While it was originally thought that obtaining an assisted living license would enable any qualified resident of such a facility to obtain Medicaid, the number of slots allotted to assisted living facilities may be very small.
     For residents of CCRCs, and I would argue all seniors, it is important that there be a range of licensed assisted living facilities that are not priced out of budgets of providers or residents. It is not clear now what further opportunity we may have to comment. Watch our website in case we need to write letters of support on this issue. If that happens, we will post suggested drafts of letters that residents might choose to send to the appropriate authorities. If anyone is interested in working with me on this or other issues, let me know.

Sarah Hughes
717-776-9436
 sbhughes@pa.net 
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