Effective November 2025, MDH is using a new Physical Environment Inspection Report to document physical environment deficiencies identified during:

• Initial and routine surveys
• Licensing Order Follow-up (LOF) visits
• Physical environment-related investigations

What this means for licensees

• This does not change the survey, LOF, or investigation process. It only changes the format in which physical environment correction order documentation is provided to licensees.
• Similar to the Food and Beverage Inspection Report, references to physical environment deficiencies will continue to appear on the 2567 licensing correction order form.
• The Physical Environment Inspection Report will accompany the 2567, providing detailed findings from MDH engineering evaluation staff.
• Surveys, LOFs, or investigations conducted before Nov. 17 will continue to use the existing documentation process. Any physical environment deficiencies identified by MDH engineering staff on or after Nov. 17 will be documented using the new report.
• This report is designed to make findings easier to understand and more transparent.
• Please note: This is not a checklist or survey tool—it is a communication tool to help licensees address noncompliance effectively and efficiently.

MDH stated they recognize the challenges many providers have faced in meeting physical environment requirements since assisted living licensure took effect on Aug. 1, 2021. They hope this new report will better support provider efforts toward compliance.

Contact information

If you have questions about the new Physical Environment Inspection Report or its use, please contact MDH at health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.