LAW & POLICY
Assisted Living State Regulatory Review
Published in March 2009, this 233-page report offers a state-by-state summary of assisted living
regulations covering 21 categories; provides contact information for state agencies that oversee assisted
living activities; and includes each agency's Web site address. In 2008, with the federal election and a
deepening national economic recession as a backdrop, state assisted living regulations continued
evolving in dynamic ways, though at a somewhat slower pace than the previous year.
- At least 18 states made regulatory changes impacting assisted living/residential care facilities in
2008 with at least six of these states making major modifications. More than 10 states are working on
significant or major changes in 2009.
- As in previous years, states continued developing standards to accommodate residents with higher
health care needs.
- Maryland overhauled its regulations. Tennessee made major changes allowing facilities to care for
residents with greater health care needs. New York promulgated regulations establishing assisted living
licensure under a 2004 statute and New Hampshire adopted rules governing one of its two levels of
licensure.
- Several states made changes to regulations relating to emergency/disaster preparedness; fire safety;
staff training; medication management; disclosure; and background checks.
* In some states, increased fiscal pressure on state Medicaid programs precipitated debates over
payment rates and move-out policies.
Click here to download the 2010 Assisted Living State Regulatory Review.