Joel represents of a wide array of developers, owners and operators of senior care communities, including, assisted living, continuing care and congregate senior communities. He focuses on operational, licensure and regulatory issues, resident issues and risk management issues. In addition, he has significant experience with disability discrimination issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act.
Joel has been a noted presenter at numerous conferences and seminars throughout the United States for senior care industry associations, legal organizations and university academic programs. Joel's practical approach to issues and vast experience with senior care communities also make him a popular presenter at in-house training programs for multi-facility providers. Joel is a founding member of the California Assisted Living Association and has served on its Board of Directors since its inception in 1994.
Representative Work
Silverado Senior Living. Served as lead regulatory counsel in transaction with Health Care REIT involving the sale of 20 dementia care communities as well as hospice and home health entities in four states.
Emeritus Senior Living. Assisted client in developing standardized admission agreements for assisted living, memory care, independent living and skilled nursing communities throughout the United States and assisted client in transitioning 9 multi-level retirement communities into licensed continuing care retirement communities.
Atria Senior Living. Led team that prepared comprehensive analysis of impact of health reform on Atria as a national assisted living operator and assisted client with relicensing 25 assisted living communities in California in connection with Atria’s transaction with Ventas.
Successfully assisted multiple clients in appealing RCFE licensing deficiencies with the California Department of Social Services
Successfully resolved multiple license revocation actions against RCFEs resulting in limited probationary status
Publications
"Smooth Transitions: Move-ins from a Marketing & Clinical Perspective," California Assisted Living Association Quarterly Magazine (Spring 2012)
Medications in RCFEs California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (Spring 2011)
Just the Facts, Ma'am: Realistic Expectations for Current and Future Residents California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (Winter 2011)
"Medicinal Marijuana in Senior Living: Complying at the Community Level," Assisted Living Executive ALFA (May 2010)
Preventing Scams Aimed At Elders California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (September 2009)
"High" Levels of Care: Medical Marijuana In RCFES California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (May 2009)
Handling Suspicious Behavior California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (October 2009)
"Special Issue Brief: Pre-dispute Arbitration Agreements," American Seniors Housing Association (Summer 2009)
Moldy Green Oranges, California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (August 2008)
Locking Rooms of Memory Care Clients California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (December 2008)
Arbitration Agreements California Assisted Living Association Bulletin (November 2008)
"Special Issue Brief: Resident Eviction—Managing the Challenges," American Seniors Housing Association (Summer 2007)
"Substitute Decision-Making: A Guide for Assisted Living Providers," contributing author, Assisted Living Federation of America Special Report (June 2005)
"Legal Implications of Marketing Materials for Seniors Communities," Senior HousingNet (February 2005)
"Dealing with Problem Family Members," ALFA News (April 2004)
"How to Host a State Regulator," Contemporary Long Term Care (September 2000)
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Honors
Top Rated Lawyer in Health Care, Martindale-Hubbell™ (2013)
San Francisco’s Top-Rated Lawyers (2012)
Northern California Super Lawyers (2011-2012)
Chambers USA