HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell said Pennsylvania has broken a decade-long deadlock by enacting assisted-living legislation that
will allow Pennsylvanians to maintain their independence and continue to exercise personal choice while receiving the support they need.
“Until today, Pennsylvania was one of only a few states that did not have separate licensing standards for assisted-living residences,” said
Rendell. “Now, Pennsylvanians will enjoy a wider range of options when it comes to choosing services for their long-term living needs. The legislation I’m signing today creates standards that will protect the health and welfare of Pennsylvanians living in assisted-living residences.”
Pennsylvanians who do not need a higher level of care — such as the care provided by a nursing home — will now be able to confidently choose a less restrictive, licensed, assisted-living residence that meets state standards. Senate Bill 704 also creates a “special care” designation so that consumers can easily identify facilities that are certified to provide Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Assisted-living residences are designed to offer flexibility by providing care and services that accommodates residents’ changing needs and preferences. Assisted living gives individuals needing 24-hour care the opportunity to live in a home-like environment that respects their privacy by providing them with their own living space, including a bathroom and capacity for a kitchen, and gives residents the support that they need to retain control over their lives.
“I applaud Representative Phyllis Mundy and Senator Pat Vance for working with us in a bipartisan way to break a decade-long impasse by enacting this legislation. Many individuals came together and worked tirelessly to make this important legislation a reality,” the governor said.
The Department of Public Welfare will have oversight of assisted-living residences and is creating a new unit responsible for licensing and
inspections. Every residence must undergo at least one unannounced site inspection each year.
The department will apply for a new waiver from the federal government to support Medicaid recipients who wish to live in assisted-living residences. The waiver will provide funding for necessary personal assistance and support for people who are Medicaid-eligible in assisted-living residences. By creating a new funding source, DPW will ensure that the development of assisted-living residences will not hamper the continued growth in home and community based waivers and services.
“This bill is crucial to meeting our goal of better balancing the long-term living system,” said Rendell. “Assisted living provides individuals who need personal assistance and health care services a much needed option to live independently with privacy and dignity — values that are important to every Pennsylvanian.”