HD45 - The Study of Unlicensed Adult Care Residences


Executive Summary:
Current state law requires adult care residence licensure of facilities providing maintenance and care to four or more persons who are aged, infirm or disabled. Concerns about the risk to three or fewer individuals who reside in private unregulated adult care residences led the Virginia General Assembly to request the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to conduct a study to determine whether the current exemptions to licensure as an adult care residence should continue or whether facilities not currently subject to licensure should be regulated in order to ensure the same standards of care available in a licensed facility.

I. METHODOLOGY

Several approaches and activities were used to respond to study objectives. These were:

A. Surveys sent to local social service agencies;

B. Surveys sent to area agencies on aging;

C. Surveys sent to community services boards;

D. Surveys sent to hospital social workers; and

E. Telephone interviews with staff in 20 states.

II. FINDINGS

A. Data collection was hampered by the lack of available data. Findings from surveys and telephone interviews were inconclusive. Survey respondents stated that some unregulated adult care residences are good and some are bad. Respondents made similar statements about regulated adult care residences.

B. Information received through telephone interviews with licensing staff in 20 states varied. Many persons interviewed were unaware of the rationale for the number of residents required before a facility is subject to licensure.

C. Because of the lack of data and mixed findings, we are recommending the study be referred to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) or the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) through the Division of Management and Customer Services in collaboration with a public university for further study.