This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the vital role that regulatory guidance and advocacy played in shaping assisted living across the country. For a sector defined by both housing and personal care services, the ability to navigate evolving regulations while focusing on resident-centered care is no small task. NCAL has spent the last quarter century ensuring that providers are not only equipped to meet those demands, but to lead the way forward.

Regulatory Resources

At the heart of NCAL’s mission lies a commitment to supporting assisted living communities through a robust suite of regulatory resources. These tools are designed to simplify complexity, promote compliance, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for residents. From comprehensive manuals to interactive data platforms, NCAL provides members with practical, customizable solutions that meet them where they are.

The most foundational resources include the Assisted Living Policy and Procedure Manual and the Emergency Preparedness and Procedure Manual. These living documents offer a framework of policies, procedures, and forms that providers can tailor to their unique settings. In an environment where expectations and best practices are continually evolving, the availability of such adaptable, up-to-date guidance is invaluable. These manuals don’t just help communities stay compliant, they help them stay prepared and be proactive.

State-by-State Information

Another essential resource is NCAL’s State Regulatory Review, an annual publication that translates complex, state-by-state requirements into a clear and accessible format. Because assisted living is regulated at the state level, providers must navigate a patchwork of licensing standards, staffing requirements, and scope-of-care rules. The State Regulatory Review brings clarity to that landscape, offering summaries for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It highlights key topics such as move-in requirements including required notifications, assessment requirements, and staff scheduling and training requirements, to name a few.

This state-driven approach to regulation offers both a challenge and an opportunity. While variability can create complexity, it also allows for innovation. Different states adopt different philosophies regarding the role of assisted living within the broader long term care continuum, enabling providers to develop models that reflect local needs and preferences. NCAL’s resources help members not only understand these differences but leverage them to deliver more responsive, person-centered care.

To further streamline access to information, NCAL offers an assisted living Regulation Mapping tool​, which is a comprehensive, member-only database that serves as a one-stop shop for regulatory research. This interactive platform allows users to search regulations and key terms across all states, making it significantly easier to locate and interpret requirements. In an environment where time and accuracy are critical, this kind of regulation accessibility is a game changer.

In addition, the NCAL State Bill Tracker keeps members informed about legislation and regulatory activity in real time. With the ability to filter by state, topic, or bill number, providers can stay ahead of policy changes that may affect their operations. This proactive approach to monitoring ensures that members are never caught off guard and are always prepared to respond.

Another powerful tool is the Assisted Living State Survey Data resource, developed in partnership with Formation Healthcare. By analyzing survey deficiencies across categories such as quality of care, staffing, and life safety, this platform helps providers identify trends, benchmark performance, and target areas for improvement. It transforms data into actionable insight, which is an essential step in driving continuous quality improvement.

Advocacy Efforts

While these regulatory resources are indispensable, they are only one part of the equation. Advocacy is the force that shapes the environment in which assisted living operates. NCAL’s growing membership represents a unified, influential voice on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the nation. Through coordinated advocacy efforts, members can influence policy, protect access to care, and ensure that regulations support, rather than hinder, innovation and quality.

The connection between regulation and advocacy is inseparable. Understanding the rules is essential, but helping to shape them is transformative. NCAL empowers providers to do both, offering the tools, resources, and guidance needed to stay informed and take action. Whether it’s engaging with lawmakers, responding to proposed regulations, or sharing frontline perspectives, every member plays a role.

We encourage every assisted living provider to take action and invite your elected officials to visit your community. Show them the high-quality care you provide, have them meet your residents, and demonstrate the value and love you give every day. In fact, AHCA/NCAL provides all the resources you need to host a successful visit. On their website, navigate to the Advocacy tab to find “A ‘How To’ Guide to Facility Tours for Elected Officials,” which includes sample templates for invitations, press, social media, and more. 

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C., this year, we hope you’ll make plans to attend in 2027. You can also reach out to any NCAL staff for assistance in setting up meetings on Capitol Hill. It’s not too late, and we are here to support you.

As NCAL celebrates 25 years of service, its impact is clear—stronger communities, better informed providers, and a more cohesive, forward-thinking assisted living profession. By combining comprehensive regulatory resources with a powerful advocacy platform, NCAL continues to equip assisted living leaders not just to navigate the present, but to help define the future.

Jill Schewe is director of policy and regulatory affairs for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).