ALC | PCH Proposed Rule Change
Get Involved!
Get Involved!
|
Georgia Senior Living Providers,
Recently, GSLA had the opportunity to request that the Department of Community Health consider proposed changes to language contained within the rules and regulations for Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Communities. A copy of the proposed changes can be found below. Briefly, there was a misinterpretation of legislation written in 2020 when it was put into rules regarding the definition of the word "onsite" and the inclusion of the word “floors.” The DCH Board is allowing public comment on this change, and I would like to ask you to be involved. Below, you will find a template for a letter of Public Comment. I would like to invite you as an Owner, Operator, Administrator, staff member, resident, family, or friend to share your support for the changes outlined in the proposed update. The template is just that: we need you to make your letter unique and tell your story. Share how the implications of the rules as written impact your resident and staff experience. Make it personal. We have four areas of focus that may help: 1. All direct care is facing staffing shortages. The implication of the rules currently puts a demand where there is already a decline. And costs rise with staffing changes. 2. There is a significant cost burden for operators and residents connected to staffing - It is our desire to maintain a home-like environment where our seniors can age in place at a reasonable cost. As costs rise, affordability for residents is impacted. 3. Staffing requirements not based on the needs of residents prevent communities from offering specialized services. Most families looking to care for their aging loved one are not just looking for affordability but accessibility. The regulations as they exist create the potential for unmet needs of residents. 4. Most importantly, the language of the rules still includes that we are required to staff to the needs of our residents, and we will be surveyed to the same. This conversation is about the fulfillment of resident needs without incurring unintended costs. Frankly, sometimes, this is the difference of a few feet in your community. Would you take a moment and send a note today – your voice is needed before December 11th. Share your support via public comment by emailing [email protected]. Feel free to reach out to GSLA with any questions. Thank you for staying involved, 
Catie Ramp
President & CEO Georgia Senior Living Association |
