STATUS OF ALF REGULATIONS

VCAL FOCUS (11/15/02)

In an October 28, 2002 letter distributed to licensees, the Department of Social Services Division of Licensing Programs Director Carolynne Stevens announced that replacement Assisted Living Facilitys (ALF) regulations are in the final approval stages.  They are projected to become effective in early 2003.   In the interim, the ALF standards that were in effect immediately prior to the effective date of the replacement regulations are again in effect.  These standards, (published with a turquoise cover) entitled Standards and Regulations for Licensed Adult Care Residences, became effective in 1996 and were amended in 1999.  

A majority  of the standards in the emergency regulations and those currently in effect are the same.  Major differences are requirements for special care units for persons with serious cognitive impairments, freedom of movement and situations related to a shared administrator between ALFs and nursing facilities.   Please note that requirements in the Code of Virginia related to approval for placement in special care units must be followed. 

According to the letter, Licensing Inspectors will provide consultation, not enforcement, to assist ALF providers on selected standards in the replacement regulations to help facilities prepare for when the standards become effective.   Licensees are advised to contact their Licensing Inspector with questions or concerns.