Bedridden Bill Signed by the Governor

A new bill concerning the bedridden definition of an Assisted Living Facility resident has been recently adopted and signed by the governor of California on Sunday, October 19th 2009 and it will take effect January 1st, 2010.

CALA´s (California Assisted Living Association) AB762 Bill basically changes the definition of the bedridden person living in an assisted living facility for seniors. Until now, a resident that needed assistance transferring to and from bed, even if it was just a supporting hand was considered to be "bedridden" and therefore the facilities needed to comply with special requirements to be able to accept such residents. .

The AB 762 Bill states that "a resident who is unable to independently transfer to and from bed but who does not need assistance turning and repositioning in bed" is considered non-ambulatory person. And that bedridden means "requiring assistance in turning and repositioning in bed or being unable to independently transfer to and from bed".

Due to this new law both residents and the Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly that care for the residents can now breathe a little easier. Before Bill AB 762 was passed anyone who was not able to transfer was considered bedridden. Even if it was a helping hand in order to maintain balance when a resident would transfer from bed to wheelchair, the resident would still have fallen into that category. The former legislation was especially difficult since residents´ health and needs vary. If a resident returning home from a surgery or another medical procedure could not transfer freely, they would be obligated to search for a facility that was bedridden licensed. Needles to say this added stress and complications to an already difficult time for everybody. We in the RCFE´s communities are glad that AB762 passed, for it makes it easier to take care of our residents with less strain and provide a better quality of life.

Like until now, facilities need to comply with the same requirements of the Fire Department to be able to accept non-ambulatory and/or bedridden residents.

For more details, feel free to read the entire AB762 Bill here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0751-0800/ab_762_bill_20090909_enrolled.pdf or visit CALA´s website: http://www.caassistedliving.org

Andreea Kenez

Public Relations Specialist

Evening Grace, RCFE

818-885-0999

akenez@eveninggrace.com

www.eveninggrace.com