NCAL Releases Assisted Living State Regulator Review

Despite budget issues impacting most states, 18 different states reported making regulator or policy changed during the last year according to the National Center for Assisted Living.

At least six states made major changes including Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

Focal points of state assisted living policy development include life safety, disclosure of information, Alzheimer’s/dementia standards, medication management, background checks, and regulatory enforcement.  Other areas of change include move-in/move-out requirements, resident assessment, protection from exploitation, staff training, and tuberculosis testing standards.

Pursuant to legislation enacted in 2007, Pennsylvania implemented new assisted living regulations on January 18, 2011, thereby creating a second level of licensure alongside personal care homes. Oregon developed new rules for the endorsement of Memory Care Communities. Endorsement rules focus on person-centered care, consumer protection, staff training specific to caring for people with dementia, and enhanced physical plant and environmental requirements. Rhode Island passed legislation that, once implemented, will expand the types of assisted living residents that may receive skilled nursing care or therapy and the length of time they may receive such services.

Washington state clarified that boarding homes must fully disclose to residents a facility’s policy on accepting Medicaid as a payment source. New Jersey passed legislation requiring an assisted living residence or comprehensive personal care home that surrenders its license and promised not to discharge Medicaid residents to escrow funds to pay for care in an alternate facility.

To view the report, see here.

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Category: Assisted Living, News