Adult-Day-Care-Center Regulations

Adult-day-care centers are heavily regulated for patient safety and comfort.

If you are planning to open an adult-day-care center--or wish to have your elderly loved one attend such a center's programs--make sure you choose one that meets all regulations for the state in which it operates.

Licensure and Certification

Whether an adult-day-care center must be licensed and certified depends upon the state in which it is located. Some states require that the facility be licensed, others require it to be certified, and a few states require both.

Types of Care

Adult-day-care centers are very limited in the types of care they can provide. Typically, they are allowed to offer recreational programs to attendees, as well as meals or snacks. However, any type of medical treatment, including administration of certain medications, may be against the regulations for adult-day-care centers in that state.

Criteria for Discharge

Like all providers of care for disabled adults and the elderly, adult-day-care centers are allowed to discharge patients who meet certain criteria. For instance, if a client's medical needs are beyond the scope of what the center offers, it retains the right to discharge that patient to a more appropriate setting.

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation