AGE has issued guidance regarding implementation of the amended Assisted Living Residence (ALR) regulations that become effective July 31, 2026. AGE will allow ALRs a reasonable transition period from July 31, 2026, through September 29, 2026, when conducting certification reviews and other compliance activities. During this transition period AGE will review for compliance with newly effective requirements and any noncompliance with new requirements will be documented in a separate section of the Compliance Review Report. However, identified deficiencies related to the new regulations are expected to be addressed through the Plan of Correction (POC) process. ALRs are expected to make and document diligent progress toward implementing all amended regulations, with particular emphasis on fire and life safety requirements.
Plans of Correction must be submitted to AGE within 30 days of the issuance of a Compliance Review Report. If a newly effective requirement cannot reasonably be implemented within the 30-day correction period, the POC should identify the outstanding requirement, include an anticipated completion date, and describe interim measures the ALR will implement until full compliance is achieved. Beginning September 30, 2026, AGE compliance reviews will assess ALRs for full compliance with all amended regulations.
AGE is currently working with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy regarding implementation of the new epinephrine requirements. Until further guidance is issued AGE will not enforce requirements that ALRs maintain unexpired epinephrine readily accessible to staff or include epinephrine storage and use policies in their operating plans. However, ALRs must continue to provide epinephrine when necessary to meet an individual resident's medical needs. Appropriate staff training and policies should be maintained as applicable.