Assisted Living Residents Granted New State Protections

Source: AARP.org | June 29, 2006

Thanks to legislation passed by the 2006 State Legislature, Minnesotans will have a better understanding of exactly what services are provided in long-term care facilities that call themselves "assisted living."

AARP and other advocates pushed for the new law because consumers searching for the right kind of "independent" care for their loved ones were often confused about the vast differences in facilities available. Some offered a simple rental apartment while others provided top-notch services—all under the marketed name "assisted living."

"This new law will set a high bar for any facility that wants to call itself assisted living in our state," said AARP State President Hubert H. "Skip" Humphrey, III. "Consumers deserve a clear understanding of what is and isn't offered in facilities, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what care their loved ones are getting."

Beginning on January 1, 2007, care facilities that market themselves using the term "assisted living" must now provide basic services, such as 24 hour access to staff and help with things such as laundry, meals, transportation services and activities of daily living.

The legislation (HF 3144 and SF 2888) was passed to protect consumers by requiring facilities to offer, at a minimum, basic services and to clearly state what services are offered, allowing consumers to more easily compare facilities and choose one with the appropriate level of care.

"Minnesotans want to maintain as much independence as possible as they grow older, and the concept of assisted living is very popular," said AARP State President Hubert H. "Skip" Humphrey, III. "Our state laws have not kept up with this demand, and we needed to add some basic consumer protections to make sure that assisted living residents and their families are protected."

A group of stakeholders worked together for more than two years to bring this proposal forward and to secure its passage.

This group includes:

• AARP
• The Alzheimer ' s Association
• Care Providers of Minnesota
• ElderCare Rights Alliance
• The Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance
• The Minnesota Home Care Association
• The Minnesota Nurses Association

State Senator Linda Berglin (DFL-Minneapolis) and State Representative Fran Bradley (R-Rochester) were the chief authors of the bill, which garnered widespread bipartisan support. AARP will now be working with other stakeholders to develop a consumer information guide to better inform consumers and families about assisted living facilities across the state.

The new requirements take effect January 1, 2007, and will govern the practices of any building or program that is marketed as "Assisted Living."

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