481-69.20 Cessation of Program Operation

We have completed 481-67 for rule reviews and will now be moving into 481-69. The first several chapters of 481-69 include information on becoming a certified program, using an accreditation agency for certification, and recertifying programs, which are very specific and not frequently used. However, I wanted to touch on 481-69.20, which includes the cessation of the programs operation requirements as this may be more pertinent to a few programs.

If a certified program wishes to cease operations, including seeking decertification, at any time prior to the expiration of the program’s certification, they must notify the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), the office of the long-term care ombudsman, and submit their certificate to DIAL along with the date the program will cease operating or decertify at least 90 days in advance.  

If the program wishes to cease operating or decertify at the time the program’s certificate expires, the program shall provide written notice of this to DIAL and the LTC Ombudsman at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the certification.

The program must develop a plan which is to be submitted with the notices indicated above that outlines arrangements for the safe and orderly transfer or transition of all tenants within the program. DIAL may conduct a monitoring visit during this time to ensure the tenants are being safely and orderly transferred as outlined in the plan. Additionally, the LTC Ombudsman’s office must be allowed to visit with tenants privately to provide education and service options and an on-site visit may be conducted by DIAL to verify the program has ceased operating as a certified program.

LeadingAge Iowa continues to offer various educational sessions on strategic planning that will aid providers in preparing for possible closure of programs as part of a master plan. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to [email protected] for business partners that may be able to assist with these planning efforts.