Prior to the issuance of a certificate of authority under this act or at such other time as the commissioner may determine it in the best interests of residents of a facility, the commissioner may file a lien on the real and personal property of the provider or facility to secure the obligations of the provider pursuant to existing and future contracts for continuing care. A lien filed under this section shall be effective for a period of ten years following such filing and may be extended by the commissioner upon a finding that such extension is advisable for the protection of residents of the facility. The lien may be foreclosed upon the liquidation of the facility or the insolvency or bankruptcy of the provider, and, in such event, the proceeds thereof shall be used in full or partial satisfaction of obligations of the provider pursuant to contracts for continuing care then in effect. The lien provided for in this section shall be subordinate to the lien of any first mortgage on the real property of the facility and may be subordinated with the written consent of the commissioner to the claims of other persons if the commissioner shall determine such subordination to be advisable for the efficient operation of the facility.