Are assisted living facilities regulated and licensed?

Assisted living facilities are not regulated or licensed by the federal government. In Nebraska, they are licensed and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure.

Nebraska laws may differ from laws in other states.

While Nebraska regulations do not require that assisted living facilities provide specific services (e.g. medication management, transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, basic health services, assistance in emergencies, 24-hour staffing), state regulations do allow these services to be provided.

A common myth is that nurses are required to be on site. In fact, they are not. So, if you want a facility that offers, for example, round-the-clock nursing services, you should ask about this up front.

It is up to you to check out what services are available and make a decision based on complete and correct information. Remember, there can be big differences in facility design and services.

Posted August 4th, 2007