Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of these rules.
Where the context in which words are used in these rules indicates that such is the intent, words
in the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa. Throughout these rules, gender
pronouns are used interchangeably, except where the context dictates otherwise. The drafters
have attempted to utilize each gender pronoun in equal numbers, in random distribution. Words
in each gender shall include individuals of the other gender.
For the purpose of these rules, the following shall apply:
(a) “Abuse.” The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement,
intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. Abuse may
include but is not limited to the following: physical, verbal, mental, neglect, misappropriation
of resident property, corporal punishment, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or any other adverse
action.
(b) “Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).” An individual’s performance of feeding,
bathing, dressing, use of toilet, transfer, mobility and continence.
(c) “Adult.” A person who is 18 years of age or older.
(d) “ALF 102 Form”. The required screening tool as defined by the Program
Division and performed by a registered nurse. Training regarding the utilization of this form will
be the responsibility of the Program Division.
(e) “Assistance Plan.” A written description of the type, frequency and duration of
the assistance to be provided, and the expected outcome.
(f) “Assisted Living Facility (ALF).” A non-institutional dwelling operated by a
person, firm, or corporation engaged in providing limited nursing care, personal care and
boarding home care, but not habilitative care, for persons not related to the owner of the facility.
(g) “Bed.” A piece of furniture on or in which a resident, or two residents lie and
sleep. Single-bed means one piece of furniture in which to lie and sleep. Multiple-beds means
two (2) or more pieces of furniture in a sleeping room in which to lie and sleep.
(h) “Boarding Home.” A non-institutional dwelling or rooming house operated by
any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of operating a home for the purpose of
letting rooms for rent and providing meals and personal daily living care, but not habilitative, or
nursing care, for persons not related to the owner. Boarding home does not include a lodging
facility or an apartment in which only room and board is provided.
(i) “Certified Dietary Manager.” A Certified Dietary Manager is a person with
education, training, and experience to competently perform the responsibilities of a dietary
manager with consultation from or supervision of a Registered Dietitian. The Certified Dietary
Manager has passed a nationally-recognized credentialing exam and participates in continuing
education as needed to maintain certified status.
(j) “Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).” An individual who is duly certified by the
Wyoming State Board of Nursing and whose certification has been verified by the management
of the assisted living facility.
(k) “Chief Administrative Officer.” The Director, Department of Health per W.S. 9-
2-101(e), or the designated Licensure representative.
(l) “Complaint.” A formal allegation of injustice or perceived harm referred to an
outside party or agency.
(m) “Complaint Investigations.” Those investigations performed by the Department
of Health, their designee, or by the State Long Term Care.
(n) “Days.” Calendar days.
(o) “Department.” The Wyoming Department of Health.
(p) “Discharge.” The full release of any resident from the assisted living facility.
(q) “Food Code.” The 2005 edition of the Food Code and all codes and standards
therein. The Food Code 2005 is a publication of The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, College Park ,MD 20740.
(r) “Grievance.” A concern of an inequitable or inaccurate action that is handled
through the facility’s internal grievance procedure.
(s) “Habilitative Care.” The teaching of care to perform basic ADL’s including
feeding, bathing, dressing, use of toilet, transfer, mobility, continence, and instrumental ADL’s
including shopping, finances, telephone, medications, housework and use of transportation.
(t) “HACCP.” Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.
(u) “Intermittent Nursing Care”. Nursing care that is not continuous; care that starts
and stops at irregular intervals.
(v) “Level 1 License.” License for assisted living facilities that do not have a secure
unit and are not required to meet the special staffing and education requirements for staff that are
clearly defined under the rules for a level 2 facility.
(w) “Level 2 License.” License for assisted living facilities that have a secure unit
and are required to meet all level 2 requirements specified or implied by these rules. The
assigned level will be used for regulatory purposes only.
(x) “License.” The authority granted by the Licensing Division to operate an assisted
living facility.
(y) “Licensed Bed.” The pieces of furniture on or in which residents lie and sleep
that the authority is granted by the Licensing Division to operate an assisted living facility.
(z) “Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).” A Licensed Practical Nurse duly licensed by
the Wyoming State Board of Nursing per the Wyoming Nurse Practice Act, W.S. § 33-21-119, et seq.
(aa) “Licensee.” Any person, association, partnership, or corporation to whom an
assisted living facility license is issued.
(bb) “Licensing Division.” The Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Healthcare
Licensing and Surveys.
(cc) “Life Safety Code (LSC).” The National Fire Protection Association 101 Life Safety Code.
(dd) “Limited Assistance”. The resident performs the activity with minimal assistance
from staff.
(ee) “Limited Nursing Care.” The level of care provided by a certified nursing
assistant, within the scope of ALF Licensure.
(ff) “Physician Extender.” Physician extender means a mid-level practitioner such as
an advanced registered nurse practitioner or a physician assistant.
(gg) “Manager.” The person responsible for the overall operation of the assisted living
facility. This individual is responsible for ensuring compliance with these rules.
(hh) “Medication Management.” The requirements as established in these Program
Administrative Rules, as well as the Wyoming Nurse Practice Act and the Wyoming Board of
Nursing Rules and Regulations.
(ii) “NFPA.” The National Fire Protection Association.
(jj) “Nursing Care Facility.” An institution which is a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF),
or a Nursing Facility (NF) which is currently licensed in the State of Wyoming.
(kk) “Ombudsman.” The State Long Term Ombudsman established in W.S. 9-2-1301
through 9-2-1309.
(ll) “Personal Care/Personal Care Services.” The performance of activities of daily
living for a resident.(mm) “Program Administration.” The rules promulgated by the Department of Health
and developed by the Program Division for the day-to-day operation of assisted living facilities
per W.S. 9-2-1204.
(nn) “Program Division.” The Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division.
(oo) “PRN.” Means as circumstances may require; as necessary.
(pp) “Registered Dietitian (RD).” A Registered Dietitian who is currently registered
with the Commission on Dietitian Registration, the credentialing agency for the American
Dietetic Association.
(qq) “Registered Nurse (RN).” A Registered Nurse duly licensed by the Wyoming
State Board of Nursing per the Wyoming Nurse Practice Act W. S. § 33-21-119 et seq.
(rr) “Resident.” A person eighteen (18) years of age or older, unrelated to the owner,
who resides in an assisted living facility.