We know too well the many problems and conflicts in the federal and state regulation of nursing homes. It would be a mistake to burden assisted living with a similar system that doesn't work.
State governments use licensure and certification laws to regulate the assisted living community.
Regulations generally cover physical setting, services, staffing, staff training, and resident admission criteria. Consumer demand has propelled the growth in assisted living residences and engendered a focus on customer satisfaction to ensure quality. Assisted living combines housing, personal services and health care services in an environment that promotes individuals' independence, privacy and choice. The philosophy of assisted living is to focus on the needs of the individual, which may account for its popularity among consumers and growth as an industry. Providers should build individualized service packages for residents, fully inform them what those services are and tell residents exactly how much those services will cost.