Living Community Regulations

The term “assisted living” is often used interchangeably, causing confusion about regulations and nurses’ roles in these settings. Many nurses ask, “What does a nurse do in assisted living communities?” Below are three types of assisted living communities, each defined by its relevant regulations. Remember, implementing best practices is crucial in assisted living communities and when in doubt, ask!

Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCAC) – consist of independent apartment units offering a range of services such as room and board, up to 28 hours per week of supportive care, personal care, and nursing services. Regulations: Wisconsin Legislature: Chapter DHS 89

Licensed Adult Family Home (AFH) – house three or four clients in a communal environment. These clients receive care, treatment, or services beyond simple room and board, which can include up to seven hours of nursing care per week for each client. Regulations: Wisconsin Legislature: Chapter DHS 88

Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) – house five or more clients in a communal environment. They provide room, board, supervision, support services, and three to seven hours of weekly nursing care. Regulations: Wisconsin Legislature: Chapter DHS 83

Empyrean Nurse Consulting, Inc. provides comprehensive support to assisted living communities through a wide range of services anywhere from certification acquisition to the development of processes that comply with regulatory standards.