Vance Legislation to License Assisted Living Facilities Sent to Governor

HARRISBURG – Assisted living facilities would be licensed under legislation the Senate sent to the Governor today, said Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York), who is the prime sponsor.

"Although many personal care homes often refer to themselves as assisted living facilities, there currently is no official licensure category for this type of care," Vance said. "By creating this type of license, citizens will have a better idea of what kind of services to expect and whether this setting will address their needs. Pennsylvanians will now be able to make informed decisions about their own care or that of a loved one."

Senate Bill 704 defines assisted living residences and the services that may be offered. It sets minimal standards for the regulation of the industry by the Department of Public Welfare and supports the general philosophy that individuals should be permitted to remain in a homelike atmosphere of their choice for as long as possible. It also supports the belief that residents should be able to determine how and when care is given. Facilities not licensed under this act would be prohibited from using the term assisted living, thereby eliminating a large amount of confusion in the marketplace.

Under current law, facilities offering long term care services are either licensed as personal care homes or nursing homes. With a few exceptions, personal care homes are permitted to admit residents who require personal care services, but not health care services. Nursing homes serve the other end of the spectrum and provide care for the most vulnerable of the population. Assisted living residences will be permitted to provide a level of care between the two.

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.