How to Identify Three Compliance in Assisted Living

Approximately 1 million people live in assisted living facilities, according to the American Healthcare Association (AHCA). All states have regulations in place to ensure quality care is given to facility residents, and facilities strive to meet changing health care demands. Facility compliance can be challenging, and three areas in which compliance is important are licensing, direct care staff and management training.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask to see a facility's license. Particular licensing requirements differ between states. Many states require assisted living facilities to be licensed and compliance surveys are conducted every two to three years. Facilities must comply with the county or state regulations regarding building codes, fire safety, ordinances and building requirements. License issuing depends on building compliance.

• 2

  Ask about staff qualifications. To be in compliance with state regulations, most assisted living facilities are required to have licensed staff manage the facility. Administrators typically need to take a state-approved class to become an assisted living administrator. Administrators are responsible for making sure all staff and day-to-day operations are in compliance. Registered nurses are part of the management team and oversee patient care and medication administration, and train staff in medical care. Some facilities employ resident care managers, who are responsible for ensuring compliance by writing individual service plans, and overseeing staff and patient care.

• 3

  Question administrative staff about training. Staff training is important to successful compliance in a facility. Most assisted living facilities are required to train staff in fire and life safety, which is repeated every year. Basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are additional staff training requirements for compliance. Assisted living facilities are required to conduct in-service training classes. In facilities with Alzheimer's units, staff is required to receive additional training in care for that condition.