New Assisted Living Executive Director Certification Launches

Efforts by the assisted living industry to set high standards for itself, in part to limit the role of outside regulators, have reached another milestone. Executive directors of assisted living communities now can officially begin the process of earning a newly introduced certification.

Executive directors interested in obtaining this certification can register for a fall testing period, to complete a certification exam, the Senior Living Certification Commission (SLCC) announced Tuesday. The SLCC was formed last year by senior living provider association Argentum, as part of that group’s larger push for the creation of industry standards.

Since its formation, the SLCC has convened expert panels, done beta testing, and conducted other work necessary to develop the certification exam, group stated in a press release. The exam is meant to assess executive directors in the following areas: judgment, application of knowledge, and problem-solving skills. The questions touch on these knowledge domains: principles and philosophy of assisted living, resident care and services, customer experience, leadership, operations management, regulatory compliance, sales and marketing, and financial management.

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“The new certification program gives leaders access to a high-standard credential to identify their experience and competency, strengthening our industry’s dedication to providing quality of life to those we serve,” said Argentum Board of Directors Chairman and Silverado CEO Loren Shook. “It demonstrates to consumers and state regulators that the senior living industry is committed to rigorous, professional development and self-regulation in an effort to deliver the best of quality of life to our consumers.”

The registration deadline for testing is Oct. 1, and the testing is scheduled to take place between Oct. 16 and Dec. 15.

Another part of Argentum’s efforts involve senior living standards that involve guidelines for best practices in 12 areas, including resident rights, staff training and qualifications, and special standards for memory care. About 2,000 communities had attested to compliance with Phase 1 of these standards as of this past May.

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Written by Tim Mullaney

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