Which regulatory body is primarily responsible for overseeing ALFs and SNFs?

The primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) at the state level is the state health board. These boards are established by individual states to create and enforce regulations that ensure the safety, health, and welfare of residents within these facilities. They set licensing requirements, conduct inspections, and investigate complaints, helping to maintain quality standards of care.

State health boards have the authority to establish specific guidelines that align with state laws, which may vary significantly from one state to another. This state oversight is crucial because ALFs and SNFs cater to some of the most vulnerable populations, necessitating stringent regulatory measures to protect residents.

While local health departments also play a role in overseeing health-related issues, they typically focus on community health and may not have the same level of authority over the operational standards of ALFs and SNFs. Federal health agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provide guidelines and regulations at the national level, but state health boards are primarily responsible for direct oversight and licensing. Private regulatory organizations may exist, but they do not have the same regulatory power as state health boards, which are mandated by state law.