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Montana
A brief overview of assisted living
Montana
What is it called?
· Assisted Living Facility
o Facilities are licensed in Category A, B, and/or C
What services are provided?
· Facility provides
o Assistance with activities of daily living (as long as a licensed health care professional is not required)
o Coordination of personal care and 24-hour on-site supervision and assistance
o Assistance with self-medication
· Third-party services
o A resident is allowed to obtain services form an outside source
· Any skilled nursing care or other skilled services obtained must be short-term
Who can be admitted?
· Category A
o Can self-administer medications
o Dependent in three or less activities of daily living
· Category B
o Require skilled nursing or other services for more than 30 days as a result of an incident
· This must be specified in the admission agreement
o Require skilled nursing or other services for more than 120 days a year
· This must be specified in the admission agreement
o Dependent in four or more activities of daily living
o Require use of indwelling catheters
o Consent to use of safety devices
· Category C
o Severe cognitive impairment
o At risk for leaving the facility without regard for personal safety
o Consent to use of safety devices
Who is inappropriate?
· Category A
o Needs the facility cannot meet
o Incapable of making basic care decisions, recognize danger, respond to verbal instructions, express needs, or summon assistance
o Totally dependent in four or more activities of daily living
o Cannot self-administer medication
o Requires physical or chemical restraints or confinement in locked quarters
o Danger to self or others
o Stage 3 or 4 pressure sores
o Gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube
o Requires continuous skilled nursing
· Category B
o Needs the facility cannot meet
o Incapable of making basic care decisions, recognize danger, respond to verbal instructions, express needs, or summon assistance
o Totally dependent in four or more activities of daily living
o Requires physical or chemical restraints or confinement in locked quarters
o Danger to self or others
· Category C
o Requires physical or chemical restraints or confinement in locked quarters
o Danger to self or others
What training is required for direct care staff?
· Initial training
o Categories A and B
· Abuse prevention
· Continuing training
o Categories A and B
· Basic first aid
· Maintenance of skin integrity and prevention of pressure sores
Is nurse staffing required?
· Category B: must employ or contract with a registered nurse to provide or supervise nursing services
Is any public payment available?
· Yes, the Medicaid program may pay for assisted living services through a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver
More Information
Department of Public Health and Human Services
Quality Assurance Division
(406) 444 – 2676
Montana Long Term Care Ombudsman
(800) 551 – 3191
www.dphhs.state.mt.us/sltc/index.htm
