Editor’s note: The Motion Picture Licensing Corp. has extended the deadline to apply for a discounted rate on the Umbrella License until March 15, 2017.

Organizations representing senior living communities and those who work at them have negotiated a discounted rate on the Umbrella License required to show DVDs and other audiovisual programs that are protected under intellectual property rights. The discount of almost 40% will apply to licenses secured by Dec. 31.

The new agreement with the Motion Picture Licensing Corp. was entered into by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, the American Seniors Housing Association, Argentum, LeadingAge and the National Association of Activity Professionals.

It is illegal for copyrighted material, whether streamed, downloaded, on a DVD or in another format, to be shown on closed circuit television or in a common area in a senior living community without a public performance license. Communities where the law is violated could be fined. The license allows an unlimited number of motion pictures and other audiovisual programs to be shown in various formats.

Under the new agreement, senior living communities will pay an introductory rate of $2 per unit for all assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation units licensed before Dec. 31. Communities also will receive a 10% discount on standard Umbrella License fees.

For more information, visit Argentum’s website or contact one of the other associations involved with the agreement.