1. 1. The general assembly finds that assisted living is an important part of the long-term care continua in this state. Assisted living emphasizes the independence and dignity of the individual while providing services in a cost-effective manner.

2. 2. The purposes of establishing an assisted living program include all of the following:

   1. a. To encourage the establishment and maintenance of a safe and homelike environment for individuals of all income levels who require assistance to live independently but who do not require health-related care on a continuous twenty-four-hour per day basis.
   2. b. To establish standards for assisted living programs that allow flexibility in design which promotes a social model of service delivery by focusing on independence, individual needs and desires, and consumer-driven quality of service.
   3. c. To encourage public participation in the development of assisted living programs for individuals of all income levels.
3. 3. It is the intent of the general assembly that the department promote a social model for assisted living programs and a consultative process to assist with compliance by assisted living programs.

96 Acts, ch 1192, §1; 2003 Acts, ch 166, §7; 2005 Acts, ch 60, §1, 2, 21; 2007 Acts, ch 215, §160