Understanding Assisted Living Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide

Individuals living in assisted living facilities require long-term care and generally have a disability or advanced age. Occupants receive assistance from staff for daily activities, including bathing and housekeeping. These assisted living facilities usually have a common dining room and require an on-call medical staff.

Regulations

• According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, most regulations of the assisted living industry occurs on the state level. All 50 states have their own regulations and inspection services. These include items such as size and staffing of the facility, cleanliness and safety and disaster precautions. Contact the appropriate state government agency for details of the regulations.

OSHA Requirements

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, is a federal agency. OSHA regulations apply to the assisted living facility staff. The OSHA guideline is that the employer must provide a safe working environment for all employees. In the assisted living industry this can have several applications including the proper disposal of medical waste and sharp instruments, as well as the proper equipment to move patients safely to and from beds or wheelchairs, without risking back injuries for employees. The Assisted Living Federation of America, an industry group, says increases in injury rates of employees can prompt OSHA inspections.

Medicare

• Medicare, also a federal program, reimburses medical providers for the cost of treating patients covered by the program. This can include patients in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Not complying with Medicare regulations can reduce or eliminate any possible reimbursements. Medicare regulations deal with the quality and appropriateness of care and record keeping. Medicare regulations do not govern the operation of an assisted living facility but compliance with those regulations will determine if the services provided cover individual reimbursement.