Regulatory Updates

This page is here to serve as a resource to PALA Members, PALA Providers and to the general public regarding the current regulations that affect our industry.

We make every attempt to keep this page current and to provide the resources that you need. Please feel free to use the resources we have provided or contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Act 56 - Proposed Assisted Living Regulations

On July 25, 2007, Governor Rendell signed Senate Bill 704, P.N. 1272, as Act No. 56 of 2007. Act 56 addresses, for the first time in the Commonwealth, a statutory and regulatory framework governing operations of assisted living facilities.

This legislation will dramatically affect our industry. PALA participated in all meetings of the Assisted Living Workgroup which had been convened by The Department of Public Welfare in an attempt to extrapolate the ideas, opinions and best practices of a diverse stakeholder group.

After careful consideration however, PALA does not believe the proposed regulations are written in a manner that is consistent with the intent of Act 56. As such, PALA responded to the proposed regulations on September 14, 2008 (see response below).

If you would like further details regarding the proposed legislation and the observations of Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association, the Assisted Living Federation of America, and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission please read the attached documents or contact us.

VIEW: ACT 56 Legislation
VIEW: Proposed 2800 Assisted Living Regulations - August 9, 2008
VIEW: Letter on Senate Bill 704 from Edward J. Corbeil - July 11, 2008
VIEW: PALA Comments on 2800 Regulations - September 14, 2008
VIEW: ALFA Comments on 2800 Regulations - September 15, 2008
VIEW: Public Hearing Testimony - September 18, 2008
VIEW: Independent Regulatory Review Commission Comments for DPW's Consideration of the Final Form of 2800 Assisted Living Regulations October 15, 2008

Helpful Resources

Contact Your Legislators
As always, we encourage you to contact your legislators and give voice to your concerns. This is particularly important when such important legislation is being enacted.

It is vital that we all speak up to assure the lawmakers have a complete understanding of the implications of their rulings and how they will affect our industry.

PA Bulletin: Visit: http://www.pabulletin.com/
The information included at this site has been derived directly from the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the Commonwealth's official gazette for information and rulemaking. The site was developed so that the latest published information may be accessed every Friday at 9 a.m. EDT, the first moment that the information may be furnished to the public.

The Pennsylvania Bulletin Online includes the following: Statewide and local court rules; the Governor's Proclamations and Executive Orders; Actions by the General Assembly; Rulemakings by State agencies; Proposed Rulemakings by State agencies; and State agency notices.

Pennsylvania State Website: http://www.state.pa.us
To find current bills which may affect our industry, visit http://www.state.pa.us and Locate "Research Legislative Bills"