Assisted Living Survey Observations Offer Helpful Reminders

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

At a meeting last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shared initial findings from assisted living surveys that have been conducted.

These early observations offer helpful reminders as providers continue to work through implementing the new statute and rules. The areas MDH observed as lacking or not entirely in place include:

• Snacks being available
• A written staffing schedule and posting of the schedule
• Assisted living policies and procedures
• Assisted living contracts
• Provision of the new Assisted Living Bill of Rights and the UDALSA
• Required postings, including the grievance procedure, MAARC reporting information, and electronic monitoring
• Initial training on assisted living licensure
• Emergency Plan including elements of Appendix Z
• Working fire alarms and required smoke detectors

To assist members further in your implementation and survey preparation, LeadingAge Minnesota has several helpful checklists on our Assisted Living webpage, including lists of required postings, disclosures, policies, and procedures. Also available is the Essential Guide - Assisted Living in Minnesota. In addition to policies and procedures, the Essential Guide includes an assisted living contract template and other helpful information. Purchasers of the Essential Guide will soon receive the first quarterly update of additional policies and procedures.

MDH has also provided survey tools, which your organization can utilize for self-audits.