Minnesota
Since August 1, 2021, any facility that provides sleeping accommodations and assisted living services (help with bathing, dressing, toileting and similar tasks, medication management, etc.) to one or more adults must hold an MDH assisted living license. There are two license types: assisted living facility, and assisted living facility with dementia care. Chapter 245A settings such as adult foster care are excluded and licensed by DHS through counties. 2025 amendments mean that from January 1, 2027 only licensed facilities may describe their services as 'assisted living'.
License categories
Assisted living facilityAssisted living facility with dementia careAdult foster care (DHS license; licensing delegated to counties)
Key laws
Minn. Stat. ch. 144G
Assisted Living (license required, § 144G.10) — official text
Minn. R. ch. 4659
Assisted Living Facilities — official text
Minn. R. 9555.5105–.6265
Adult Foster Care (DHS Rule 203) — official text
Key requirements
- No assisted living facility may operate without a license under ch. 144G (§ 144G.10)
- Each facility must employ an assisted living director licensed or permitted by the Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports
- Facilities with secured dementia care units or dementia care services need the 'with dementia care' license
- Minn. R. 4659 sets staffing and training rules and requires a uniform assessment tool and a Uniform Checklist Disclosure of Services
- MDH surveys completed on or after July 1, 2024 feed the state's assisted living quality ratings
Sources
- https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/assistedliving/index.html
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144G.08
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144G.10
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4659/
- https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231505
- https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/ohfc/