From Our Leadership Position Paper on Assisted Living Licensure

Providence Place Retirement Communities will consider the consequences to our residents very carefully BEFORE we decide to participate in the new assisted living licensure (AL) category in Pennsylvania.  Participation in the AL category is voluntary.

At present, there is not enough information provided by the state regarding the impact of the additional regulatory requirements of AL licensure on the residential, “homey” environment that our residents currently enjoy.  We are naturally concerned about the more traditional medical milieu required to care for the needs of skilled care level residents who currently reside in skilled care nursing facilities in Pennsylvania.  The new AL regs would require us to have the capability of providing these higher acuity level medical services now provided in what are commonly called “nursing homes.”

We are also greatly concerned about the increase costs associated with the provision of the services necessary as well as the inevitable increase in room rates required to support the dramatic change in scope of services provided.

Providence Place is currently licensed as a personal care home in the state of Pennsylvania. The creation of this additional AL category does not adversely affect or change our personal Care license status in any way.  We have the option of staying exactly as we are and continuing to provide the same services to the same residents as we always have.  The new AL licensure status and associated costs will only affect Providence Place residents and their families if we voluntarily decide to participate in this new licensure category.

We feel an obligation to investigate this issue and its ramifications thoroughly before we make a decision on the matter.  Ultimately, we will decide to participate in assisted living licensure if and only if it is in the best interest of the many wonderful people that live and work at Providence Place Retirement Communities.

~ Governor George M. Leader and Jesse Achenbach

Read More about Assisted Living Licensure:

PA Department of Aging

The Pennsylvania Bulletin

AARP