Long-Term Care in PA: Assisted Living Update
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-11-12 15:55:58.862459-05:00
Now that assisted living legislation has been passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, the next phase of enacting consumer protections for this form of long-term care has begun.
Pennsylvania's Secretary of Public Welfare, Estelle Richman, has formed a workgroup of consumers, providers and other interested parties to assist in writing regulations to implement the new assisted living law. AARP Pennsylvania is privileged to have a seat on this workgroup, and we will emphasize the need for these regulations to ensure that residents of assisted living facilities are able to live safely and independently.
The regulatory process is a very deliberate one in Pennsylvania. The timetable for these regulations includes a first draft to be available for public comment early in 2008, and a final draft that incorporates the public comments will be reviewed by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRCC) in the fall of 2008. Only after the IRCC has given final approval to the regulations can they be implemented.
AARP Pennsylvania will be involved in the entire regulatory process, and we will keep you up-to-date on its progress.
For the past decade, AARP Pennsylvania pushed legislators to enact a law defining assisted living as a distinct type of health care. This would establish licensing standards and regular inspections for assisted living facilities.
In July of 2007, Pennsylvania legislators passed such a law. The result for older Pennsylvanians will be greater choice and less confusion when navigating state-regulated facilities.
Assisted living residences represent a middle option between nursing homes (comprehensive care) and personal-care homes (companion services). Qualified caregivers at assisted living residences will be authorized to provide skilled nursing care.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides a toll-free helpline at 1-866-286-3636. Counselors can provide information and make referrals to the local agencies that assist with planning and arranging long-term care and services.
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