How to Get a License for an Assisted Living Facility

When it comes to an aging population, there's the challenge of where people should live when they are no longer able to live alone, but do not need nursing care. Some families bring their elderly loved ones into their homes during this phase of life, but other seniors may not have family members who can take them in. They may also want to retain some independence. Assisted living facilities fill this gap - giving seniors pleasant retirement living options with medical and physical assistance as needed. Although assisted living facilities are not medical facilities, states now license and monitor them to ensure the safety and health of their residents.

Instructions

• 1

  Find out which state agency oversees assisted living facility licensing for your state. Agencies that handle the licensing can vary from state to state. For example, the state of Washington monitors these facilities via their Department of Social and Health Services, while California uses its Department of Social Services.

• 2

  Research the specifications and regulations for assisted living facilities to make sure that your facility will comply. Look up the building codes, staffing requirements, bed requirements and safety regulations related to the facilities. Many states will conduct an initial inspection of the property as part of the licensing process, as well as perform periodic checks once you begin operation.

• 3

  Modify your assisted living facility to meet state requirements if needed. Use licensed contractors, preferably those who've already worked on medical facilities, who are familiar with this type of construction and the health regulations required.

• 4

  Schedule an in-person orientation to begin your application if you live in a state such as California, which requires one. California makes orientation sessions available periodically throughout the state, and you can call the California Department of Social Services for session schedules and booking. The state of Texas requires a pre-application computerized exam following their orientation session.

• 5

  Develop an initial operating budget which includes fees you intend to charge residents. This means you will also need to figure out how many beds you need in order to operate - which will be critical both to the budget projections and to your licensing fees as many states including Texas have per-bed application fees. New York is an example of a state that requires a complete and detailed budget as part of its licensing application.

• 6

  Complete a license application form and submit it with any required fees to your licensing authority.

• 7

  Prepare for the site safety and health inspection which may follow the application filing. In states which use inspection as part of the approval process, this is absolutely critical for approval of your application - so follow all regulations and requirements. California, Washington, Texas and New York are some of the states that perform inspections as part of the approval process.