Initial ALR license requirements
Deciding to open an Assisted Living Residence can be a daunting task due to the sheer number of regulations you must follow. You have jumped through so many hoops, renovated a home to meet the state requirements, designed your logo, chose a name, etc. and now the next step towards accepting residents is receiving your license from the DC Community Residence Facilities Branch, Child and Residential Care Facilities Division, Health Regulation Administration (CRF/CRCFD/HRA). Be sure to familiarize yourself with the following regulation prior to submitting an application for licensing:
10106 INITIAL ALR LICENSURE
10106.1 To obtain and maintain a license, an applicant shall meet all the requirements of the Act and this chapter, and other applicable federal and local laws and regulations.
10106.2 An application for an initial license to operate an ALR shall be made as prescribed by this section and § 302(a)-(e) of the Act (D.C. Official Code §§ 44-103.02(a)- (e)), or as prescribed by § 304 of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 44-103.04) if an application for renewal.
10106.3 The application shall be submitted to the Director for review and shall not be approved for licensure unless determined by the Director to meet the requirements of the Act and this chapter. The Director shall consider the entirety of the application record when determining whether to approve or deny an application, including the results of a background check conducted pursuant to § 10104 of this chapter and any documents required under this section.
10106.4 In addition to the requirements in § 302(d)(2) of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 44- 103.02(d)(2)), an application for an ALR license shall include evidence of a current, valid license issued by the District of Columbia to the assisted living administrator (ALA) named in the application.
10106.5 In addition to the information required under § 302(e)(2) of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 44-103.02(e)(2)), an applicant for licensure shall provide the following information:
(a) The policies and procedures required by §§ 10110.2 and 10110.3 of this chapter;
(b) A floor plan specifying dimensions of the ALR, exits, and planned room usage;
(c) Proof that the ALR’s proposed location has passed an inspection for compliance with fire codes conducted by the District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department’s Fire Prevention Division or a successor entity that becomes responsible for conducting such inspections on behalf of the District; and
(d) Any additional information requested by the Director.
10106.6 The documentation required under § 302(e)(2) of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 44- 103.02(e)(2)) and § 10106.05 of this chapter shall be provided to the Director during the pre-licensure inspection period, after on-site inspection of the applicant’s ALR has been conducted. 10106.7 An applicant for an ALR license shall pay the licensure fees set forth in § 10105 of this chapter.
Pro Tip:
- Do not give up if do you not receive your license at the first go around! Many seasoned administrators have had to be resurveyed prior to receiving their new community licensure!