Are Iowa Politicians Looking to Decrease Oversight in Assisted Living Facilities?

Recently, Governor Terry Branstad indicated that there should be less governmental oversight of senior assisted living centers, which has sparked a controversial issue regarding this matter. Brandstad suggested his idea at an AARP conversation on aging, and said he is concerned that assisted living centers have been picked on by state inspectors.

However, advocates for seniors feel that the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is not tough enough on assisted living centers. In fact, these inspectors/monitors only visit assisted living centers once every two years. Many feel there are not enough rules and requirements and there is a lack of governmental oversight with certified assisted living centers.

Ten years ago there were only ten assisted living facilities in Iowa, and now there are over 300 centers - home to thousands of Iowa seniors. In 2008, state inspectors responded to more than 150 complaints, gave out approximately 500 violations, and found issues with two-thirds of assisted living facilities that year alone. This tells advocates that the state of Iowa needs to increase the oversight of these assisted living facilities, not decrease it.

However, Branstad feels differently and would like to see state regulators back off. With this many violations and repeat violators, it tells others in Iowa that the senior homes need more oversight from the government.

The controversial question really comes down to this: should state inspectors monitor and police assisted living centers or collaborate with them? This issue will be left to state lawmakers. If Iowa lawmakers decrease the standards and governmental oversight on senior assisted living homes, we will most likely start seeing an increase in health and safety problems in these homes.

If you believe your loved one is a victim of a health and safety concern at an assisted living facility or maybe your relative is a victim of nursing home abuse in Iowa, please call the law offices of Brady Preston Gronlund, experienced Iowa injury attorneys, at (319) 866-9277 and we will provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation.