Variety also exists in state regulatory requirements, services provided and type of physical structure. The number and variety of options give consumers the choice they need in determining what is most appropriate to their circumstances. The varying needs of assisted living consumers necessitate a range of responses. The level of family support that may or may not supplement services differs. Financial needs may also vary.
State regulation works.
GAO did not discover problems within assisted living. The GAO disclosed problems already identified by state agencies. Twenty-two states have licensing rules for assisted living. The remainder have regulations that govern assisted living, although the licensure category may be called by another name such as adult residential care. Although the GAO report did not address enforcement, we know from the report's account of state survey results that state agencies are inspecting assisted living facilities at the present time.