The commissioner may require the provider to establish and to maintain on a current basis, in escrow with a bank, trust company or other escrow agent approved by the department, a portion of all entrance fees received by the provider in an aggregate amount not to exceed the total of all principal and interest payments due during the next 12 months on account of any first mortgage loan or other long-term financing of the facility. The funds in such an escrow account may be invested with the earnings thereon payable to the provider. If the provider so requests in writing, the escrow agent shall release up to one-twelfth of the original principal balance of the escrow account. A release of funds shall not be made more than once during any calendar month and then only after the escrow agent has given written notice to the commissioner at least ten days prior to the release. The amount of this escrow fund shall be included in satisfying the reserves required under this act. This section shall only be applicable when the commissioner has cause to believe that additional protection may be necessary to secure the obligations assumed under all resident agreements.