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ALC | PCH Proposed Rule Change

Georgia Senior Living Providers,
 
On Thursday, February 13, the Department of Community Health (DCH) Board held an initial hearing on proposed Rule changes pursuant to HB 1335, which was enacted into law last year. The updates can be read through the links below.  These changes result from years of GSLA advocacy to improve staffing efficiency in assisted living, personal care, and memory care homes. Last fall, we provided input as Rules were being drafted, and we are pleased to share that our recommendations were accepted and incorporated into the version presented to the Department’s governing Board.  To see these Rule changes to completion, we need you to take action!

Highlights of the Proposed Changes

  • Exemption to the "floor" rule – Staff may move throughout the building in communities with an approved e-call system. The system must include a wearable device component that alerts staff to a resident’s location when activated. While providers may encourage the use of these devices, they cannot require them.

  • CMA flexibility – Certified Medication Aides (CMA) may float between memory care and non-memory care areas within a community provided staffing ratios are met.

  • Portable dementia training certificate – A new certification will satisfy 12 of the 16 required hours of initial dementia training for new hires and will be portable with the staff member. However, new hires must still complete 4 hours of community-specific training on the organization's philosophy, policies, and procedures for caring for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. 

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Your Support is Needed!
These rule changes are not yet in effect—final passage is targeted for April 2025. The DCH Board is currently accepting public comments, and we need to show strong support to ensure these improvements are adopted. Below, we have given you a simple step-by-step process to voice your support to the DCH Board. 

How to Submit a Comment (Deadline: March 7)

  1. Customize your message – Personalize your comment with how these changes would impact your community.
  2. Send your email to Public.Comment@dch.ga.gov.
  3. Use this subject line: "Rules and Regulations for Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living".
  4. Submit by March 7 to ensure your voice is heard.

Below, you will find a template for a Public Comment Letter. We invite you—whether you are an owner, operator, administrator, staff member, resident, family member, or friend—to share your support for the proposed rule changes. Your unique perspective will help demonstrate the real-world benefits of these changes.
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These updates would improve care delivery while preventing unnecessary costs.

Catie Ramp
President & CEO
​Georgia Senior Living Association