New Rules for Assisted Living Facilities
JEFFERSON CITY - Facilities caring for seniors would need to meet new standards to advertise themselves as "assisted living centers." Lawmakers, during their annual session ending last week, approved a new definition and regulations for senior care facilities. Supporters say centers ranging from senior apartments to full nursing homes have billed themselves as "assisted living" facilities. They say the new requirements will make it easier for people to select the right place. The bill also lowers emergency evacuation standards to permit residents to stay in a facility if the center documents a plan to help them escape. Jon Dolan is director of a nursing home trade group. He says this change could endanger seniors by blurring a bright line created for safety.