Assisted Living in Louisiana

Agency: Department of Health and Hospital Health Standards Section
Phone: (225) 342-0138
Website: http://www.dhh.state.la.us/offices/?ID=112

Adult residential care homes/facilities are publicly or privately operated residences that provide 24-hour personal assistance, lodging, and meals for compensation to two or more adults who are unrelated to the residence licensee, owner, or director.

Facility Scope of Care:
Facilities may provide personal assistance with activities of daily living and supervision of self-administered medication.

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements:
Residents must be discharged if they are a danger to themselves or others or if the resident is transferred to another institution during which payment is not made to retain their bed at the facility. Facilities may accept or retain residents in need of additional care beyond routine personal care if the resident can provide or arrange for his/her own care and this care can be provided through appropriate private-duty personnel. Additionally, the level of care required in order to accommodate the resident's additional needs must not amount to continuous nursing care (e.g., does not exceed 90 days).

Resident Assessment:
An assessment shall be completed at admission.

Medication Management:
Staff may supervise the self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medication. This assistance shall be limited to reminders, cueing, opening containers, and assistance in pouring medication. Residents may contract with an outside source for medication administration; however, facilities may not contract for this service

Physical Plant Requirements:
Efficiency/studio living units shall have a minimum of 250 net square feet of floor space, excluding bathrooms and closets. Living units with separate bedrooms shall have a living area (living/dining/kitchenette) of at least 190 net square feet, excluding bathroom and closets. Each separate bedroom shall have a minimum of 120 net square feet, excluding bathroom and closet or wardrobe space. Bedrooms designed for one individual (120 net square feet) may only be shared with another individual if that individual is a husband/wife/relative or live-in companion and only if both parties agree, in writing. Bedrooms designed for two individuals shall have a minimum of 200 net square feet, excluding bathrooms and closet or wardrobe space. Residents sharing a living unit with a two-person bedroom shall be allowed to choose their roommate. Both individuals shall agree, in writing.

Residents Allowed Per Room:
A maximum of two residents is allowed per resident unit. Both individuals shall agree in writing to this arrangement.

Life Safety:
All new construction is required to have smoke detectors and sprinklers in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code requirements (2003 edition). Louisiana promulgated NFPA standards and on Jan. 1, 2007 adopted the 2006 International Building Code

Alzheimer's Unit Requirements:
If a facility accepts residents with dementia or residents at risk of wandering, an enclosed area shall be provided adjacent to the facility so that the residents may go outside safely.

Staff Training for Alzheimer's Care:
Staff of adult residential care providers that operate Alzheimer's units or market a facility as providing Alzheimer's/dementia care must have specified training. Staff who provide direct face-toface care to residents shall be required to obtain at least eight hours of dementia-specific training within 90 days of employment and eight hours of dementias-specific training annually.

Staffing Requirements:
Facilities shall be staffed to properly safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the residents. At a minimum, facilities shall have a director, a designated recreational/activity staff person, and a direct care staff person; however, one person may occupy more than one position.

Staff Education Training:
Direct-care workers shall complete in-service training each year in areas relating to the facility's policies and procedures; emergency and evacuation procedures; residents' rights; first aid; procedures and legal requirements concerning the reporting of abuse and critical incidents; resident care services; infection control; and any specialized training to meet residents' needs.

Medicaid Policy and Reimbursements:
There is no Medicaid home and community-based services waiver in place at this time.