The United States has seen a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for assisted living operators over the past year. According to the National Center for Assisted Living’s latest annual report, 20 states have implemented changes and updates to their regulations, with a focus on infection control protocols and emergency preparedness requirements.
The report, released on Jan. 10, introduced three new categories – infection control requirements, emergency preparedness requirements, and quality requirements – and found that the majority of states have enacted regulations related to these areas. Specifically, 86% of states have infection control requirements in place, and 90% have implemented emergency preparedness requirements.
In addition to these changes, roughly 47% of states have quality measurement, data collection, or quality management requirements in place. These updates reflect a growing emphasis on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in assisted living facilities.
The new categories were added to the report to assess how assisted living providers are preparing for future public health emergencies. According to Jill Schewe, NCAL’s director of policy and regulatory affairs, these changes demonstrate a trend towards increased vigilance and preparedness among states to better serve their resident populations in the years ahead.
The report highlights specific changes in certain states, such as Arizona and Colorado, including modifications to training requirements and Medicaid reimbursement policies. NCAL has released a full list detailing all regulation changes implemented in the 20 states.
While some labor laws and regulations are dictated at the federal level, states play a significant role in regulating assisted living communities. LaShuan Bethea, NCAL’s executive director, emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaboration between providers, state regulators, and stakeholders to ensure accountability and encourage innovation in meeting residents’ unique needs and desires.
While there has been debate about the need for increased federal regulation in the wake of recent articles questioning the industry, NCAL has expressed concerns that additional federal regulations could limit residents’ independence and autonomy. The push for increased regulation may face opposition due to the complex and individualized nature of care in assisted living communities.
