National LeadingAge Minnesota Partners Form Quality in Assisted Living Collaborative

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

Argentum and LeadingAge, national affiliates of LeadingAge Minnesota, are partnering with the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) to create and launch the Quality in Assisted Living Collaborative (QALC).

The two national organizations are also joined by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). They are working with NARA as part of the QALC to identify, define, and develop model guidance for assisted living. The Collaborative’s resources will be available to aid and educate providers, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

The collaborative’s first product is currently in development. It will include a set of recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines in assisted living, a top issue coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IPC workgroup is drafting the recommendations with the expectation of a final release in late 2023 following QALC approval.

“Longer term, this significant initiative is expected to result in greater consistency across the states,” said James Balda, president and chief executive officer at Argentum. “By working together, we will put the industry in a position to play a lead role in reshaping the way in which assisted living communities operate.”

“Quality care is the top priority for providers who care for older adults, and QALC will help the sector collaboratively address the most urgent issues,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services. “We look forward to representing our nonprofit, mission-driven members as part of this important coalition.”

LeadingAge Minnesota will report progress made by the newly formed coalition as we receive them.