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ALFA: States Lead the Way in Assisted Living Reform

Wed, 08/14/2002 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
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ALFA Press Release Notes Trends and Advances in Consumer Choice

(WASHINGTON, DC, August 14, 2002) The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the leading trade association for assisted living providers, recently published its mid-year legislative wrap-up report. More than 180 bills with references to assisted living have been introduced in state legislatures around the country. The report highlights a significant push in 2002 for advances in consumer choice and rights for the states.

According to ALFA's President and CEO Paul R. Willging, Ph.D., a number of the enacted bills this year are indicative of trends shaping the regulatory environment in which assisted living providers will operate in the near future. 'When viewed in the context of legislation that has passed in other states in recent years, ALFA clearly sees a shift in trends towards consumer choice,' stated Willging. At the same time, many states have revised their assisted living regulations. The volume of state legislative and regulatory reform in assisted living is far greater than what most people think it is,' added Willging. 'What appears at first glance to a causal observer to be a patchwork of state rules is actually a growing body of consistently regulated areas of operation.' Bills enacted so far this year covered the following areas:

* consumer disclosure;
* consumer choice;
* consumer safeguards; and
* rules revision.

For a detailed description of the laws that were passed in a particular state, visit www.alfa.org and click on ALFA's Mid-Year State Legislative Wrap-Up Report under 'What's New at ALFA.' These bills demonstrate that states are continuing to take steps to protect the rights of residents. 'However, all states and providers struggle to find just the right balance of the consumer's desire for enhanced choice and control in assisted living with the responsibility of state agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and protect the welfare of residents. A new paradigm is needed that focuses on resident outcomes and customer satisfaction while preserving customer choice,' said Willging.

'There is a growing and discernible movement toward greater consistency in the way assisted living is regulated at the state level. Fortunately, state leaders and policymakers see the wisdom and benefit in allowing assisted living to be adaptive and responsive to the needs of each state's culture and its residents.'

For additional information on ALFA's Mid-Year State Legislative Wrap-Up Report, contact Francine Moore at (703) 691-8100 ext. 208 or email fmoore@alfa.org

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The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), www.alfa.org, is the largest association dedicated to the assisted living industry and the population it serves. ALFA represents over 6,000 for-profit and not-for-profit providers of assisted living as well as a diverse range of organizations involved in the assisted living industry. With more than 40 state affiliates nationwide, ALFA promotes the philosophy of consumer choice and quality of life for seniors.

ALFA Press Release Notes Trends and Advances in Consumer Choice

(WASHINGTON, DC, August 14, 2002) The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the leading trade association for assisted living providers, recently published its mid-year legislative wrap-up report. More than 180 bills with references to assisted living have been introduced in state legislatures around the country. The report highlights a significant push in 2002 for advances in consumer choice and rights for the states.

According to ALFA's President and CEO Paul R. Willging, Ph.D., a number of the enacted bills this year are indicative of trends shaping the regulatory environment in which assisted living providers will operate in the near future. 'When viewed in the context of legislation that has passed in other states in recent years, ALFA clearly sees a shift in trends towards consumer choice,' stated Willging. At the same time, many states have revised their assisted living regulations. The volume of state legislative and regulatory reform in assisted living is far greater than what most people think it is,' added Willging. 'What appears at first glance to a causal observer to be a patchwork of state rules is actually a growing body of consistently regulated areas of operation.' Bills enacted so far this year covered the following areas:

* consumer disclosure;
* consumer choice;
* consumer safeguards; and
* rules revision.

For a detailed description of the laws that were passed in a particular state, visit www.alfa.org and click on ALFA's Mid-Year State Legislative Wrap-Up Report under 'What's New at ALFA.' These bills demonstrate that states are continuing to take steps to protect the rights of residents. 'However, all states and providers struggle to find just the right balance of the consumer's desire for enhanced choice and control in assisted living with the responsibility of state agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and protect the welfare of residents. A new paradigm is needed that focuses on resident outcomes and customer satisfaction while preserving customer choice,' said Willging.

'There is a growing and discernible movement toward greater consistency in the way assisted living is regulated at the state level. Fortunately, state leaders and policymakers see the wisdom and benefit in allowing assisted living to be adaptive and responsive to the needs of each state's culture and its residents.'

For additional information on ALFA's Mid-Year State Legislative Wrap-Up Report, contact Francine Moore at (703) 691-8100 ext. 208 or email fmoore@alfa.org

###

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), www.alfa.org, is the largest association dedicated to the assisted living industry and the population it serves. ALFA represents over 6,000 for-profit and not-for-profit providers of assisted living as well as a diverse range of organizations involved in the assisted living industry. With more than 40 state affiliates nationwide, ALFA promotes the philosophy of consumer choice and quality of life for seniors.