Section 4650. Legislative purpose and findings

The legislature hereby
  finds and declares that congregate residential housing  with  supportive
  services  in  a home-like setting, commonly known as assisted living, is
  an integral part of the  continuum  of  long  term  care.  Further,  the
  philosophy  of  assisted  living  emphasizes  aging  in  place, personal
  dignity, autonomy, independence, privacy and freedom of choice.
    The intent of this article is to create a clear and flexible statutory
  structure for assisted living that provides  a  definition  of  assisted
  living  residence;  that  requires  licensure  of  the  residence;  that
  requires  a  written  residency   agreement   that   contains   consumer
  protections;  that  enunciates  and  protects  resident rights; and that
  provides adequate and  accurate  information  for  consumers,  which  is
  essential  to  the continued development of a viable market for assisted
  living. Entities which hold themselves out as assisted living residences
  must apply for licensure and be approved by  the  state  to  operate  as
  assisted  living  residences  pursuant  to this article, and must comply
  with the requirements of this article.
    * NB There are 2 § 4650's