The Administration for Community Living (ACL) hosted a webinar on September 18 outlining the background and key provisions of proposed rulemaking that would establish federal minimum standards for state Adult Protective Services (APS) programs.  ACL representatives noted this rule is the next step in demonstrating its commitment to improving access, quality, and equity in home and community-based services.

ACL is establishing itself as the federal compliance agency for APS activities, because of inclusion of base funding to states for APS in the 2023 Omnibus spending bill that passed in December 2022.

The rule proposes establishing standardized minimum categories of maltreatment, standardized definitions of commonly used terms in APS, and it requires states to both establish policies and mechanisms for response to APS reports. Additionally, states must develop APS state plans and annual data reporting to ACL as a condition of receiving federal APS funds.

The rule was released for public comment on September 12 with comments due on November 13. ACL offers an explainer and links to the proposed rule and other resources, here. LeadingAge will review and update providers, as we assess potential effects on members.