SDS Guidelines for Assisted Living Homes to Promote Resident Compliance with COVID-19 Social Distancing and Stay Put Orders

Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 04/06/2020 10:04 AM AKDT

SDS E-Alert: Guidelines for Assisted Living Homes to Promote Resident Compliance with COVID-19 Social Distancing and Stay Put Orders

 In order to assist community providers who are front line care givers for residents of assisted living homes, Residential Licensing is publishing the following recommendations for all Assisted Living Homes.

The following guidelines must be in place prior to issuing any notice regarding termination of a resident's contract in the event a resident is non-compliant with state and/or local stay put orders:  

  • All Assisted Living Homes should update house rules to reflect local and statewide COVID-19-related orders, provide a copy of the updated rules to each resident and their representative(s), and ensure they understand the change and the stay put orders. 
  • Upon a first violation of the house rules or any local or state-wide stay put rule, an administrator may issue a warning to the recipient and the recipient's representative. The warning should include a statement that continued violations of the stay put rule will be considered grounds for a 24-hour notice of termination of services.
  • If a second violation of the stay put rule occurs, an administrator may issue a final written warning notice to the resident and representative(s) and notify Central Intake. The final warning should include a statement that a third violation will result in termination of services.
  • If a third violation of the stay put rule occurs, the home may issue a written termination of services notice, and notify Central Intake. Prior to issuing the notice, the staff or administrator must still comply with AS 47.33.360(c) and (d) and offer a case conference with the resident and/or the resident's representative and include any other service coordinator or other care providers who would be able to discuss arrangements required to relocate the resident. 

All homes must continue to take all necessary steps to protect the other residents in the home (e.g., clean frequently, maintain social distancing, request that residents isolate in their own rooms as much as possible). All homes must also eliminate congregate activities and support resident quarantine if necessary, as much as possible.

We recognize these are difficult times and appreciate the work that Assisted Living Homes do and the care provided to residents.