MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS SET FOR ASSISTED LIVING WORKGROUP

VCAL FOCUS

In late July, the Assisted Living Workgroup (ALW) Steering Committee met with staff representatives of Senators John Breaux (D-La.), Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who sit on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, to explain the Senators minimum expectations for the ALW.  The Senators, impressed with the ALWs level of work, are not looking to replicate OBRA for assisted living.  They view state governments, not the federal government, as the primary overseer of assisted living. 

The Senators expect the ALWs final report, at a minimum, to outline the following:

• A definition of assisted living so that consumers can understand what to expect;
• Guidance on contractual obligations, including full disclosure in understandable language;
• How thorough assessments can be used to ensure proper placement, admissions and discharge;
• Guidance on handling medical emergencies and adequate notice upon discharge, including specifying the number of days notice to be given prior to discharge;
• The base services that all ALFs must provide; and
• A plan for how consumers can compare facilities nationwide.

The April 2003 deadline for the final report is firm, although staffers recognize that certain issues, such as outcome measures, may take longer.  A letter containing the Committees specific expectations for the ALW is expected, which NCAL plans to share with members.