Assisted Living in New Jersey

Agency: Department of Health and Senior Services
Phone: 609-633-9034
Website: www.state.nj.us/health

An assisted living residence provides apartment-style housing and congregate dining and assures that assisted living services are available when needed for four or more adult persons. There are three categories of assisted living: assisted living residences (new construction), comprehensive personal care homes (converted/residential boarding home that may not meet all building code requirements) and assisted living programs (services provided).

Facility Scope of Care:
Facilities provide a coordinated array of supportive personal and health services 24 hours per day, including assistance with personal care, nursing, pharmacy, dining, activities, recreational, and social work services to meet the individual needs of each resident.

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements:
New Jersey has no entry requirements or restrictions. Mandatory discharge is required if a resident requires specialized long term care, such as respirators, ventilators, or severe behavior management. Facilities may specify other discharge requirements, such as if the resident is bedridden for more than 14 consecutive days; requires 24-hour nursing supervision; is totally dependent on assistance with four or more activities of daily living; or is a danger to self or others.

Resident Assessment:
While an assessment form is not specified, areas in which the resident must be evaluated are mandated by the rules.

Medication Management:
Certified nurse aides, certified home health aides, or staff members who have other equivalent training approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services and who have completed a medication aide course and passed a certifying exam are permitted to administer medication to residents under the delegation of a registered nurse (RN). Allowable injections include pre-drawn insulin injections as well as disposable insulin delivering mechanical devices commonly know as "pens."

Physical Plant Requirements:
Private resident units must provide a minimum of 150 square feet of clear and usable floor area and semi-private resident units must provide a minimum of 80 additional square feet for an additional resident.

Residents Allowed Per Room:
A maximum of two residents is allowed per resident unit.

Life Safety:
Smoke detectors are required in all resident bedrooms, living rooms, studio apartment units, and public areas of the facility. A comprehensive automatic fire suppression system is required throughout the building (in accord with the Uniform Construction Code), unless an exemption has been applied for and granted. New Jersey uses National Fire Protection Association standards.

Alzheimer's Unit Requirements:
Facilities that advertise or hold themselves out as having an Alzheimer's unit are required to establish written policies and procedures for the unit, establish criteria for admission and discharge from the unit, have staff attend a mandatory training program, compile staffing information, and provide, upon request, a list of activities directed toward Alzheimer's residents and safety policies and procedures specific to residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Staff Training for Alzheimer's Care:
Staff are required to have attended a mandatory training program.

Staffing Requirements:
Staffing must be sufficient to meet residents' needs. At least one awake personal care assistant and one additional employee must be on site 24 hours per day. An RN must be available 24 hours per day.

Staff Education Training:
Personal care assistants must either successfully complete an approved nurse aide training course, an approved homemaker/home health aide training program, or other equivalent approved training program. In addition, staff must be trained in the provision of services and assistance in accordance with the concepts of assisted living and including care of residents with physical impairment; emergency plans and procedures; the infection prevention and control program; resident rights; abuse and neglect; pain management; and the care of residents with Alzheimer's and related dementia conditions.

Medicaid Policy and Reimbursements:
New Jersey consolidated its home and community-based waiver programs into one waiver: Global Options for Long Term Care (GO). Assisted living is a covered service under GO.