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(04/08) Legislation enacted in Iowa requires prompt disclosure of assisted living survey reports

Legislation signed by Governor Chet Culver on April 8, 2008 authorized public disclosure of survey reports of assisted living facilities following “informal review.” Under prior law, survey reports remained confidential until the conclusion of “all administrative appeals processes.” House File 2609. The legislation was enacted following reports by The Des Moines Register in February that residents at Legacy Gardens, an Iowa City assisted living facility, were abused and neglected by staff, according to police records and public hearings on unemployment benefits. The survey reports were confidential under state law as it existed at the time. Clark Kauffman, “Newly public, care center fined $42,000,” The Des Moines Register (April 10, 2008).

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS10/804100402/-1/LIFE04



http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?category=billinfo&service=billbook&GA=82&hbill=HF2609

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Priorities

ALCA's major areas of focus include:
  • Developing a definition of "assisted living" that adequately informs consumers and others as to the type of care that can be provided, while allowing for appropriate variations from one assisted facility to another;
  • Advocating for laws, regulations and practices that advance both resident choice and strong consumer protections;
  • Developing high, universal standards relating to services, staffing, residents' rights, and other important aspects of assisted living care;
  • Ensuring strong enforcement and oversight systems on federal and state levels to protect consumers and assure quality;
  • Promoting affordable and accessible assisted living, including equal treatment of those consumers receiving financial assistance from Medicaid or other public programs; and
  • Protecting consumers' civil liberties, including freedom from discrimination based on real or perceived disability, race or sexual orientation.
 
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