Intermediate care facilities; intent.

The Legislature recognizes the need to develop a continuum of long-term care in this state to meet the needs of the elderly and disabled persons. The Legislature finds that there is a gap between the level of care provided in assisted living facilities and in nursing homes. The Legislature finds that exploration of intermediate-level care facilities which would fill the gap between assisted living facilities and nursing homes, where both the federal and state government share the cost of providing care, is an appropriate option to explore in the continuum of care.