Georgia Assisted Living Regulations for Operators

Operating an assisted living facility in Georgia requires compliance with comprehensive regulations administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). Understanding these requirements is essential for current operators and investors considering entry into the Georgia senior care market.

Georgia Assisted Living Regulatory Framework

Governing Laws and Regulations

Georgia assisted living facilities are governed by:

• O.C.G.A. § 31-7-1 et seq. - Personal Care Home licensing law
• Georgia Rules and Regulations Chapter 111-8-62 - PCH rules
• Georgia Fire Code - Fire safety requirements
• Georgia Building Code - Construction standards
• Local building and zoning codes

Regulatory Authority

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Healthcare Facility Regulation Division is the primary regulatory body:

• Issues and renews licenses
• Conducts inspections and surveys
• Investigates complaints
• Enforces compliance
• Approves building plans

Facility Types and Licensing

Personal Care Home (PCH)

Definition: A residential facility that provides housing, meals, and personal services for two or more adults who are not related to the operator.

License Categories:

Memory Care Designation

Facilities providing specialized dementia care must:

• Meet additional staffing requirements
• Provide specialized training
• Have secured environments
• Offer appropriate programming

Licensing Requirements

Initial License Application

Required Documentation:

1. Application form - DCH Form HFR-001
2. Ownership disclosure - All owners with 5%+ interest
3. Administrator qualifications - Training and experience
4. Floor plans - Architectural drawings
5. Fire safety approval - State Fire Marshal clearance
6. Zoning approval - Local municipality confirmation
7. Financial documentation - Proof of financial viability
8. Policies and procedures - Comprehensive operations manual
9. Background checks - All owners and administrators
10. Application fee - Based on bed count

License Fees

License Renewal

• Annual renewal required
• Submit 60 days before expiration
• Include updated documentation
• Pay renewal fee
• Compliance with all regulations required

Staffing Requirements

Administrator Requirements

Qualifications:

• 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Complete DCH-approved administrator training (24 hours)
• Pass competency examination
• No disqualifying criminal history
• Continuing education (8 hours annually)

Responsibilities:

• Overall facility management
• Regulatory compliance
• Staff supervision
• Resident care oversight
• Emergency preparedness

Direct Care Staff Requirements

Minimum Staffing:

Ratios may increase based on resident acuity

Staff Training Requirements:

Background Checks

Required for:

• All employees
• Volunteers with resident contact
• Contractors with regular access

Check Components:

• Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
• FBI fingerprint check
• Sex offender registry
• Nurse aide registry
• OIG exclusion list

Physical Plant Requirements

Building Standards

General Requirements:

• Meet Georgia Building Code
• Comply with local building codes
• Fire safety systems per Georgia Fire Code
• Adequate heating, cooling, ventilation
• Emergency power for essential systems

Resident Room Requirements

Common Area Requirements

• Dining area adequate for all residents
• Living/activity space
• Outdoor area (accessible)
• Laundry facilities
• Administrative office
• Medication storage (locked)
• Clean and soiled utility rooms

Fire Safety Requirements

• Automatic sprinkler system (Congregate PCHs)
• Fire alarm system with monitoring
• Emergency lighting
• Exit signs
• Fire extinguishers
• Evacuation plans posted
• Monthly fire drills
• Annual fire safety inspection

Resident Care Requirements

Admission and Assessment

Pre-Admission:

• Health assessment within 30 days
• Physician certification of appropriateness
• Disclosure of services and costs
• Resident rights acknowledgment

Initial Assessment (within 14 days):

• Comprehensive health evaluation
• Functional abilities assessment
• Cognitive status evaluation
• Social and emotional needs
• Service plan development

Service Plan Requirements

Each resident must have a written service plan including:

1. Health needs - Medical conditions, medications
2. ADL assistance - Specific help needed
3. Dietary requirements - Nutritional needs, preferences
4. Social activities - Engagement preferences
5. Goals - Short and long-term objectives
6. Review schedule - Quarterly minimum

Medication Management

Permitted Activities:

• Medication reminders
• Assistance with self-administration
• Storage and organization
• Documentation of administration
• Medication administration by trained staff

Prohibited Activities:

• Injection administration (except insulin with training)
• Medication crushing without physician order
• PRN medication decisions without protocol
• Medication disposal without proper procedures

Discharge Requirements

Permitted Discharge Reasons:

• Resident request
• Nonpayment (with proper notice)
• Facility closure
• Needs exceed licensure
• Behavior endangering others

Required Process:

• 30-day written notice (except emergencies)
• Discharge planning assistance
• Transfer of records
• Refund of prepaid fees

Quality and Compliance

DCH Inspections

Types of Inspections:

Common Violations

Most Frequently Cited:

1. Incomplete resident records
2. Staffing documentation gaps
3. Medication management errors
4. Service plan deficiencies
5. Physical plant maintenance
6. Training documentation incomplete
7. Background check lapses

Enforcement Actions

Progressive Enforcement:

1. Statement of deficiencies - Written notice of violations
2. Plan of correction - Facility response required
3. Provisional license - Probationary status
4. Civil penalties - Fines up to $1,000 per day
5. License revocation - Facility closure

Resident Rights

Georgia Resident Rights

Residents have the right to:

1. Dignity and respect in all interactions
2. Privacy in care and personal matters
3. Self-determination in daily decisions
4. Communication with family and others
5. Grievance process without retaliation
6. Access to records and information
7. Manage finances or designate representative
8. Freedom from abuse and neglect
9. Participate in care planning
10. Refuse treatment with informed consent

Grievance Procedures

Facilities must:

• Post resident rights prominently
• Provide written grievance procedures
• Investigate complaints promptly
• Document resolution
• Prohibit retaliation
• Report to DCH as required

Community Care Services Program (CCSP)

Additional CCSP Standards

Facilities participating in Georgia Medicaid must also:

• Meet enhanced service requirements
• Provide specific service packages
• Meet additional staffing requirements
• Submit quality data
• Accept Medicaid reimbursement rates
• Comply with federal Medicaid rules

CCSP Certification Process

1. Meet all PCH requirements
2. Apply for CCSP certification
3. Pass additional inspection
4. Execute provider agreement
5. Enroll in Medicaid billing system

Resources for Georgia ALF Operators

DCH Resources

• DCH Healthcare Facility Regulation
• Personal Care Home Rules
• License Application Forms

Industry Associations

• Georgia Senior Living Association
• LeadingAge Georgia
• Georgia Health Care Association

Related Georgia ALF Resources

• Georgia ALF Loans Overview
• What is Assisted Living in Georgia?
• Georgia ALF Market Trends 2026
• Cost to Build an ALF in Georgia