Are Your Admission Contracts Outdated? Compliance Alert for Assisted Living Facilities

Are Your Admission Contracts Outdated? Compliance Alert for Assisted Living Facilities

Are Your Admission Contracts Outdated? Compliance Alert for Assisted Living Facilities

Many assisted living facilities have been using the same admission contracts and resident agreements for years without updating them to reflect regulatory changes. If your facility hasn’t revised its admission paperwork recently, you may be out of compliance with Rule 59A-36.007(5)(d), F.A.C., which outlines resident care standards and the required elements of your facility’s house rules and procedures.

What Does the Regulation Say?

According to 59A-36.007(5)(d), F.A.C., assisted living facilities must include a written statement of their house rules and procedures in the admission package, as required by Rule 59A-36.006, F.A.C.. These rules must, at a minimum, include the facility’s policies regarding:

9. Assistive devices; and
10. Physical restraints.

This means that every assisted living facility in Florida must have clear policies on assistive devices and physical restraints in their admission paperwork. Yet, many facilities are still using outdated agreements that fail to address these important requirements.

Why Is This Important?

Regulations evolve to ensure resident rights and safety are protected. The inclusion of policies on assistive devices and physical restraints in admission contracts ensures that:

  • Residents and their families are fully informed about how assistive devices (such as walkers, wheelchairs, and hearing aids) will be managed.
  • The facility’s stance on physical restraints is clearly stated to prevent any misunderstandings or compliance violations.
  • The facility remains legally protected by having up-to-date documentation that aligns with current regulations.

Failure to update your admission paperwork could result in citations during AHCA inspections or potential legal risks if a dispute arises regarding assistive devices or restraints.

Action Steps for Facility Owners & Administrators

  1. Review your current admission contracts and house rules. If they do not include policies on assistive devices and physical restraints, they must be updated immediately.
  2. Consult with a compliance specialist. Ensure that your paperwork aligns with all current regulations, including Rule 59A-36.007.
  3. Audit your admission process. Ensure that all new residents receive the correct, updated admission package and that staff is consistently implementing the new policies.

Don’t Risk Non-Compliance

Regulatory updates often go unnoticed, and many facilities only realize they are non-compliant when AHCA arrives for an inspection. Don’t wait until it’s too late—update your admission contracts now to include policies on assistive devices and physical restraints.

If you need help ensuring your facility’s paperwork is compliant, reach out today. ALF Boss is here to help you stay ahead of compliance changes and keep your facility running smoothly.