G.S. ch. 131D, art. 1
G.S. ch. 131D, art. 1
in effectG.S. 131D-2 Repealed by Session Laws 2009-462, s. 1, effective October 1, 2009.
G.S. 131D-2.1 Definitions.
§ 131D-2.1. Definitions.
As used in this Article:
(1) Abuse. - The willful or grossly negligent infliction of physical pain, injury, or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful or grossly negligent deprivation by the administrator or staff of an adult care home of services which are necessary to maintain mental and physical health.
(2) Administrator. - A person approved by the Department of Health and Human Services as an assisted living administrator under G.S. 90-288.14 or as an adult care home administrator under G.S. 90-288.14A, who has the responsibility for the total operation of a licensed adult care home.
(3) Adult care home. - An assisted living residence in which the housing management provides 24-hour scheduled and unscheduled personal care services to two or more residents, either directly or for scheduled needs, through formal written agreement with licensed home care or hospice agencies. Some licensed adult care homes provide supervision to persons with cognitive impairments whose decisions, if made independently, may jeopardize the safety or well-being of themselves or others and therefore require supervision. Medication in an adult care home may be administered by designated trained staff. Adult care homes that provide care to two to six unrelated residents are commonly called family care homes.
(3a) Adult care home resident discharge team. - A team consisting of one member from the department of social services and one member from the local management entity responsible for assisting in finding an appropriate placement for discharged residents, as established by the county department of social services in every county which contains an adult care home licensed under this Chapter.
(4) Amenities. - Services such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, and grocery shopping that do not involve hands-on personal care.
(5) Assisted living residence. - Any group housing and services program for two or more unrelated adults, by whatever name it is called, that makes available, at a minimum, one meal a day and housekeeping services and provides personal care services directly or through a formal written agreement with one or more licensed home care or hospice agencies. The Department may allow nursing service exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Settings in which services are delivered may include self-contained apartment units or single or shared room units with private or area baths. Assisted living residences are to be distinguished from nursing homes subject to provisions of G.S. 131E-102. There are three types of assisted living residences: adult care homes, adult care homes that serve only elderly persons, and multiunit assisted housing with services. As used in this section, "elderly person" means:
a. Any person who has attained the age of 55 years or older and requires assistance with activities of daily living, housing, and services, or
b. Any adult who has a primary diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other form of dementia who requires assistance with activities of daily living, housing, and services provided by a licensed Alzheimer's and dementia care unit.
(6) Compensatory agent. - A spouse, relative, or other caretaker who lives with a resident and provides care to a resident.
(7) Department. - The Department of Health and Human Services unless some other meaning is clearly indicated from the context.
(8) Exploitation. - The illegal or improper use of an aged or disabled resident or the aged or disabled resident's resources for another's profit or advantage.
(9) Family care home. - An adult care home having two to six residents. The structure of a family care home may be no more than two stories high, and none of the aged or physically disabled persons being served there may be housed in the upper story without provision for two direct exterior ground-level accesses to the upper story.
(9a) Hearing Unit. - The chief hearing officer within the Division of Health Benefits designated to preside over hearings regarding the transfer and discharge of adult care home residents, and the chief hearing officer's staff.
(10) Multiunit assisted housing with services. - An assisted living residence in which hands-on personal care services and nursing services which are arranged by housing management are provided by a licensed home care or hospice agency through an individualized written care plan. The housing management has a financial interest or financial affiliation or formal written agreement which makes personal care services accessible and available through at least one licensed home care or hospice agency. The resident has a choice of any provider, and the housing management may not combine charges for housing and personal care services. All residents, or their compensatory agents, must be capable, through informed consent, of entering into a contract and must not be in need of 24-hour supervision. Assistance with self-administration of medications may be provided by appropriately trained staff when delegated by a licensed nurse according to the home care agency's established plan of care. Multiunit assisted housing with services programs are required to register annually with the Division of Health Service Regulation. Multiunit assisted housing with services programs are required to provide a disclosure statement to the Division of Health Service Regulation. The disclosure statement is required to be a part of the annual rental contract that includes a description of the following requirements:
a. Emergency response system;
b. Charges for services offered;
c. Limitations of tenancy;
d. Limitations of services;
e. Resident responsibilities;
f. Financial/legal relationship between housing management and home care or hospice agencies;
g. A listing of all home care or hospice agencies and other community services in the area;
h. An appeals process; and
i. Procedures for required initial and annual resident screening and referrals for services.
Continuing care retirement communities, subject to regulation by the Department of Insurance under Chapter 58 of the General Statutes, and temporary family health care structures, as defined in G.S. 160D-915, are exempt from the regulatory requirements for multiunit assisted housing with services programs.
(11) Neglect. - The failure to provide the services necessary to maintain a resident's physical or mental health.
(12) Personal care services. - Any hands-on services allowed to be performed by In-Home Aides II or III as outlined in Department rules.
(13) Registration. - The submission by a multiunit assisted housing with services provider of a disclosure statement containing all the information as outlined in subdivision (10) of this section.
(14) Resident. - A person living in an assisted living residence for the purpose of obtaining access to housing and services provided or made available by housing management.
(15) Secretary. - The Secretary of Health and Human Services unless some other meaning is clearly indicated from the context. (2009-462, ss. 1(e), 3(a); 2011-272, s. 1; 2014-94, s. 4; 2018-5, s. 11G.1(a); 2019-81, s. 15(a); 2022-62, s. 24.)
G.S. 131D-2.2 Persons not to be cared for in adult care homes and multiunit assisted housing with services; hospice care; obtaining services.
§ 131D-2.2. Persons not to be cared for in adult care homes and multiunit assisted housing with services; hospice care; obtaining services.
(a) Adult Care Homes. - Except when a physician certifies that appropriate care can be provided on a temporary basis to meet the resident's needs and prevent unnecessary relocation, adult care homes shall not care for individuals with any of the following conditions or care needs:
(1) Ventilator dependency;
(2) Individuals requiring continuous licensed nursing care;
(3) Individuals whose physician certifies that placement is no longer appropriate;
(4) Individuals whose health needs cannot be met in the specific adult care home as determined by the residence; and
(5) Such other medical and functional care needs as the Medical Care Commission determines cannot be properly met in an adult care home.
(b) Multiunit Assisted Housing With Services. - Except when a physician certifies that appropriate care can be provided on a temporary basis to meet the resident's needs and prevent unnecessary relocation, multiunit assisted housing with services shall not care for individuals with any of the following conditions or care needs:
(1) Ventilator dependency;
(2) Dermal ulcers III and IV, except those stage III ulcers which are determined by an independent physician to be healing;
(3) Intravenous therapy or injections directly into the vein, except for intermittent intravenous therapy managed by a home care or hospice agency licensed in this State;
(4) Airborne infectious disease in a communicable state that requires isolation of the individual or requires special precautions by the caretaker to prevent transmission of the disease, including diseases such as tuberculosis and excluding infections such as the common cold;
(5) Psychotropic medications without appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans;
(6) Nasogastric tubes;
(7) Gastric tubes, except when the individual is capable of independently feeding himself or herself and caring for the tube, or as managed by a home care or hospice agency licensed in this State;
(8) Individuals requiring continuous licensed nursing care;
(9) Individuals whose physician certifies that placement is no longer appropriate;
(10) Unless the individual's independent physician determines otherwise, individuals who require maximum physical assistance as documented by a uniform assessment instrument and who meet Medicaid nursing facility level-of-care criteria as defined in the State Plan for Medical Assistance. Maximum physical assistance means that an individual has a rating of total dependence in four or more of the seven activities of daily living as documented on a uniform assessment instrument;
(11) Individuals whose health needs cannot be met in the specific multiunit assisted housing with services as determined by the residence; and
(12) Such other medical and functional care needs as the Medical Care Commission determines cannot be properly met in multiunit assisted housing with services.
(c) Hospice Care. - At the request of the resident, hospice care may be provided in an assisted living residence under the same requirements for hospice programs as described in Article 10 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes.
(d) Obtaining Services. - The resident of an assisted living facility has the right to obtain services at the resident's own expense from providers other than the housing management. This subsection shall not be construed to relieve the resident of the resident's contractual obligation to pay the housing management for any services covered by the contract between the resident and housing management. (2009-462, s. 1(e).)
G.S. 131D-2.3 Exemptions from licensure.
§ 131D-2.3. Exemptions from licensure.
The following are excluded from this Article and are not required to be registered or obtain licensure under this Article:
(1) Facilities licensed under Chapter 122C or Chapter 131E of the General Statutes.
(2) Persons subject to rules of the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities.
(3) Facilities that care for no more than three persons, all of whom are under the supervision of the United States Veterans Administration.
(4) Facilities that make no charges for housing, amenities, or personal care service, either directly or indirectly.
(5) Institutions that are maintained or operated by a unit of government and that were established, maintained, or operated by a unit of government and exempt from licensure by the Department on September 30, 1995. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2023-65, s. 8.4; 2025-27, s. 3.1.)
G.S. 131D-2.4 Licensure of adult care homes for aged and disabled individuals; impact of prior violations on licensure; compliance history review; license renewal.
§ 131D-2.4. Licensure of adult care homes for aged and disabled individuals; impact of prior violations on licensure; compliance history review; license renewal.
(a) Licensure. - Except for those facilities exempt under G.S. 131D-2.3, the Department of Health and Human Services shall inspect and license all adult care homes. The Department shall issue a license for a facility not currently licensed as an adult care home for a period of six months. If the licensee demonstrates substantial compliance with Articles 1 and 3 of this Chapter and rules adopted thereunder, the Department shall issue a license for the balance of the calendar year. A facility not currently licensed as an adult care home that was licensed as an adult care home within the preceding 12 months is considered an existing health service facility for the purposes of G.S. 131E-184(a)(8).
(b) Compliance History Review. - Prior to issuing a new license or renewing an existing license, the Department shall conduct a compliance history review of the facility and its principals and affiliates. The Department may refuse to license a facility when the compliance history review shows a pattern of noncompliance with State law by the facility or its principals or affiliates, or otherwise demonstrates disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of residents in current or past facilities. The Department shall require compliance history information and make its determination according to rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission.
(c) Prior Violations. - No new license shall be issued for any adult care home to an applicant for licensure under any of the following circumstances for the period of time indicated:
(1) Was the owner, principal, or affiliate of a licensable facility under this Chapter, Chapter 122C, or Article 7 of Chapter 110 of the General Statutes and was responsible for the operation of the facility that had its license revoked until five years after the date the revocation became effective.
(1a) Was the owner, principal, or affiliate of a licensable facility under this Chapter, Chapter 122C, or Article 7 of Chapter 110 of the General Statutes and was responsible for the operation of the facility that had its license summarily suspended until five years after the date the suspension was lifted or terminated.
(2) Is the owner, principal, or affiliate of an adult care home and is responsible for the operation of the facility that was assessed a penalty for a Type A or Type B violation until the earlier of one year from the date the penalty was assessed or until the home has substantially complied with the correction plan established pursuant to G.S. 131D-34 and substantial compliance has been certified by the Department.
(3) Is the owner, principal, or affiliate of an adult care home and is responsible for the operation of the facility that had its license downgraded to provisional status or had its admissions suspended as a result of violations under this Article, Chapter 122C, or Article 7 of Chapter 110 of the General Statutes until six months from the date of restoration from provisional to full licensure, termination of the provisional license, or lifting or termination of the suspension of admissions, as applicable.
(4) Repealed by Session Laws 2017-184, s. 1, effective October 1, 2017.
(5) Is or was the owner, principal, or affilate of an adult care home and is responsible for the operation of the facility where outstanding fees, fines, and penalties imposed by the State against the facility have not been paid. Fines and penalties for which an appeal is pending are exempt from consideration under this subdivision.
An applicant for new licensure may appeal a denial of certification of substantial compliance under subdivision (2) of this subsection by filing with the Department a request for review by the Secretary within 10 days of the date of denial of the certification. Within 10 days of receipt of the request for review, the Secretary shall issue to the applicant a written determination that either denies certification of substantial compliance or certifies substantial compliance. The decision of the Secretary is final.
(d) License Renewals. - License renewals shall be valid for one year from the date of renewal unless revoked earlier by the Secretary for failure to comply with any part of this section or any rules adopted hereunder. Licenses shall be renewed annually upon filing and the Department's approval of the renewal application. The Department shall not renew a license if outstanding fees, fines, and penalties imposed by the State against the home have not been paid. Fines and penalties for which an appeal is pending are exempt from consideration. The renewal application shall contain all necessary and reasonable information that the Department may require.
(e) In order for an adult care home to maintain its license, it shall not hinder or interfere with the proper performance of duty of a lawfully appointed community advisory committee, as defined by G.S. 131D-31 and G.S. 131D-32.
(f) The Department shall not issue a new license for a change of ownership of an adult care home if outstanding fees, fines, and penalties imposed by the State against the home have not been paid. Fines and penalties for which an appeal is pending are exempt from consideration. The consent of the current licensee is not a required prerequisite to a change of ownership of an adult care home if the current licensee has (i) been removed from the facility pursuant to Articles 3 and 7 of Chapter 42 of the General Statutes or (ii) abandoned the facility, as determined by the Department's reasonable discretion.
(g) Any applicant for licensure who wishes to contest the denial of a license is entitled to an administrative hearing as provided in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. The applicant shall file a petition for a contested case within 30 days after the date the Department mails a written notice of the denial to the applicant. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2017-184, s. 1.)
G.S. 131D-2.5 License and registration fees.
§ 131D-2.5. License and registration fees.
(a) The Department shall charge each adult care home with six or fewer beds a nonrefundable annual license fee in the amount of three hundred fifteen dollars ($315.00). The Department shall charge each adult care home with more than six beds a nonrefundable annual license fee in the amount of three hundred sixty dollars ($360.00) plus a nonrefundable annual per-bed fee of seventeen dollars and fifty cents ($17.50).
(b) The Department shall charge each registered multiunit assisted housing with services program a nonrefundable annual registration fee of three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00). Any individual or corporation that establishes, conducts, manages, or operates a multiunit housing with services program, subject to registration under this section, that fails to register is guilty of a Class H felony, including a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each day the facility is in operation in violation of this Article. Each day of a continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense. (2009-451, s. 10.76(a1); 2009-462, ss. 1(e), 3(b); 2025-27, s. 3.2(a).)
G.S. 131D-2.6 Legal action by Department.
§ 131D-2.6. Legal action by Department.
(a) Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any other remedy, the Department may, in the manner provided by law, maintain an action in the name of the State for injunction or other process against any person to restrain or prevent the establishment, conduct, management, or operation of an adult care home without a license. Such action shall be instituted in the superior court of the county in which any unlicensed activity has occurred or is occurring.
(a1) The Department and county departments of social services may inspect any of the following as authorized by law:
(1) A residence or facility the Department believes to be operating as an assisted living residence without an appropriate license or registration.
(2) A registered multiunit assisted housing with services facility to determine if it is operating as a licensable adult care home facility without a license.
(b) Any individual or corporation that establishes, conducts, manages, or operates an assisted living facility without a license or registration, as required under this Article, is guilty of a Class H felony, including a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for each day the facility is in operation in violation of this Article. Each day of a continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense.
(c) If any person shall hinder the proper performance of duty of the Secretary or the Secretary's representative in carrying out this section, the Secretary may institute an action in the superior court of the county in which the hindrance has occurred for injunctive relief against the continued hindrance, irrespective of all other remedies at law.
(d) Actions under this section shall be in accordance with Article 37 of Chapter 1 of the General Statutes and Rule 65 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2025-27, s. 3.2(b).)
G.S. 131D-2.7 Provisional license; license revocation; summary suspension of license; suspension of admission.
§ 131D-2.7. Provisional license; license revocation; summary suspension of license; suspension of admission.
(a) Provisional License. - Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Department may amend a license by reducing it from a full license to a provisional license for a period of not more than 90 days whenever the Department finds that:
(1) The licensee has substantially failed to comply with the provisions of Articles 1 and 3 of this Chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to these Articles;
(2) There is a reasonable probability that the licensee can remedy the licensure deficiencies within a reasonable length of time; and
(3) There is a reasonable probability that the licensee will be able thereafter to remain in compliance with the licensure rules for the foreseeable future.
The Department may extend a provisional license for not more than one additional 90-day period upon finding that the licensee has made substantial progress toward remedying the licensure deficiencies that caused the license to be reduced to provisional status.
The Department also may issue a provisional license to a facility, pursuant to rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission, for substantial failure to comply with the provisions of this section or rules adopted pursuant to this section. Any facility wishing to contest the issuance of a provisional license shall be entitled to an administrative hearing as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. A petition for a contested case shall be filed within 30 days after the Department mails written notice of the issuance of the provisional license.
(b) License Revocation. - The Department may revoke a license whenever:
(1) The Department finds that:
a. The licensee has substantially failed to comply with the provisions of Articles 1 and 3 of this Chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to these Articles; and
b. It is not reasonably probable that the licensee can remedy the licensure deficiencies within a reasonable length of time; or
(2) The Department finds that:
a. The licensee has substantially failed to comply with the provisions of Articles 1 and 3 of this Chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to these Articles; and
b. Although the licensee may be able to remedy the deficiencies within a reasonable time, it is not reasonably probable that the licensee will be able to remain in compliance with licensure rules for the foreseeable future; or
c. The licensee has failed to comply with the provisions of Articles 1 and 3 of this Chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to these Articles, and the failure to comply endangered the health, safety, or welfare of the patients in the facility.
(c) Summary Suspension. - The Department may summarily suspend a license pursuant to G.S. 150B-3(c) whenever it finds substantial evidence of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any condition which presents an imminent danger to the health and safety of any resident of the home. Any facility wishing to contest summary suspension of a license shall be entitled to an administrative hearing as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. A petition for a contested case shall be filed within 20 days after the Department mails a notice of summary suspension to the licensee.
(d) Suspension of Admissions.
(1) In addition to the administrative penalties described in this Article, the Secretary may suspend the admission of any new residents to an adult care home where the conditions of the adult care home are detrimental to the health or safety of the residents. This suspension shall be for the period determined by the Secretary and shall remain in effect until the Secretary is satisfied that conditions or circumstances merit removing the suspension.
(2) In imposing a suspension under this section, the Secretary shall consider the following factors:
a. The degree of sanctions necessary to ensure compliance with this section and rules adopted hereunder; and
b. The character and degree of impact of the conditions at the home on the health or safety of its residents.
(3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules to implement this section.
(4) Any facility wishing to contest a suspension of admissions shall be entitled to an administrative hearing as provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. A petition for a contested case shall be filed within 20 days after the Department mails a notice of suspension of admissions to the licensee. (2009-462, s. 1(e).)
G.S. 131D-2.8 Reserved for future codification purposes.
G.S. 131D-2.9 Reserved for future codification purposes.
G.S. 131D-2.10 Reserved for future codification purposes.
G.S. 131D-2.11 Inspections, monitoring, and review by State agency and county departments of social services.
§ 131D-2.11. Inspections, monitoring, and review by State agency and county departments of social services.
(a) State Inspection and Monitoring. - The Department shall ensure that adult care homes required to be licensed by this Article are monitored for licensure compliance on a regular basis. All facilities licensed under this Article and adult care units in nursing homes are subject to inspections at all times by the Secretary. Except as provided in subsection (a1) of this section, the Division of Health Service Regulation shall inspect all adult care homes and adult care units in nursing homes on an annual basis. Beginning July 1, 2012, the Division of Health Service Regulation shall include as part of its inspection of all adult care homes a review of the facility's compliance with G.S. 131D-4.4A(b) and safe practices for injections and any other procedures during which bleeding typically occurs. In addition, the Department shall ensure that adult care homes are inspected every two years to determine compliance with physical plant and life-safety requirements.
If the annual or biennial licensure inspection of an adult care home is conducted separately from the inspection required every two years to determine compliance with physical plant and life-safety requirements, then the Division of Health Service Regulation shall not cite, as part of the annual or biennial licensure inspection, any noncompliance with any law or regulation that was cited during a physical plant and life-safety inspection, unless, in consultation with the section within the Division of Health Service Regulation that conducts physical plant and life-safety inspections, any of the following conditions are met:
(1) The noncompliance with the law or regulation continues and the noncompliance constitutes a Type A1 Violation, a Type A2 Violation, or a Type B Violation, as defined in G.S. 131D-34.
(2) The facility has not submitted a plan of correction for the physical plant or life-safety citation that has been accepted by the section within the Division of Health Service Regulation that conducts physical plant and life-safety inspections.
(3) The noncompliance with the physical plant or life-safety law and regulation cited by the section within the Division of Health Service Regulation that conducts physical plant and life-safety inspections has not been corrected within the time frame allowed for correction or has increased in severity.
Nothing in this subsection prevents a licensing inspector from referring a concern about physical plant and life-safety requirements to the section within the Division of Health Service Regulation that conducts physical plant and life-safety inspections.
(a1) Waiver of Annual State Inspection. - The Division of Health Service Regulation may waive the annual inspection requirement under subsection (a) of this section for any adult care home that has achieved the highest rating in accordance with rules adopted by the North Carolina Medical Care Commission pursuant to G.S. 131D-10. However, at least once every two years the Division of Health Service Regulation shall inspect any adult care home for which the annual inspection requirement was waived.
(a2) Informal Dispute Resolution - Division of Health Service Regulation. -
(1) The Division of Health Service Regulation shall offer each adult care home an opportunity, at the facility's request and upon the facility's receipt of the official statement of deficiencies, to informally resolve disputed findings from inspections conducted by the Division of Health Service Regulation in accordance with this section.
(2) Failure of the Division of Health Service Regulation to complete informal dispute resolution timely does not delay the effective date of any enforcement action taken by the Division of Health Service Regulation against an adult care home.
(3) An adult care home is not entitled to seek a delay of any enforcement action against it on the grounds that the Division of Health Service Regulation has not completed informal dispute resolution prior to the effective date of the enforcement action.
(4) If an adult care home successfully demonstrates during informal dispute resolution that any of the deficiencies cited in the official statement of deficiencies should not have been cited, the Division of Health Service Regulation shall remove the incorrectly cited deficiencies from the official statement of deficiencies and rescind any enforcement actions imposed on the adult care home solely as a result of the incorrectly cited deficiencies.
(5) The Division of Health Service Regulation shall make available on its website the informal dispute resolution procedures for adult care homes.
(a3) Informal Dispute Resolution - County Departments of Social Services. -
(1) The Division of Health Service Regulation and county department of social services shall jointly offer each adult care home an opportunity, at the facility's request and upon the facility's receipt of the official statement of deficiencies, to informally resolve disputed findings from inspections conducted by the county department of social services that resulted in the citation of a Type A1 violation, Type A2 violation, Uncorrected Type A1, violation, Uncorrected Type A2 violation, or Uncorrected Type B violation, in accordance with this section.
(2) Failure of the Division of Health Service Regulation and county department of social services to complete informal dispute resolution timely does not delay the effective date of any enforcement action taken by the Division of Health Service Regulation against an adult care home.
(3) An adult care home is not entitled to seek a delay of any enforcement action against it on the grounds that the Division of Health Service Regulation and the county department of social services has not completed informal dispute resolution prior to the effective date of the enforcement action.
(4) If an adult care home successfully demonstrates during informal dispute resolution that any of the deficiencies cited in the official statement of deficiencies should not have been cited, the county department of social services shall remove the incorrectly cited deficiencies from the official statement of deficiencies and the Division of Health Service Regulation shall rescind any enforcement actions imposed on the adult care home solely as a result of the incorrectly cited deficiencies.
(5) The Division of Health Service Regulation shall make available on its website the informal dispute resolution procedures for adult care homes.
(b) Monitoring by County. - The Department shall work with county departments of social services to do the routine monitoring in adult care homes to ensure compliance with State and federal laws, rules, and regulations in accordance with policy and procedures established by the Division of Health Service Regulation and to have the Division of Health Service Regulation oversee this monitoring. The county departments of social services shall document in a written report all on site visits, including monitoring visits, revisits, and complaint investigations. The county departments of social services shall submit to the Division of Health Service Regulation written reports of each facility visit within 20 working days of the visit.
(c) State Review of County Compliance. - The Division of Health Service Regulation shall conduct and document annual reviews of the county departments of social services' performance. When monitoring is not done timely or there is failure to identify or document noncompliance, the Department may intervene in the particular service in question. Department intervention shall include one or more of the following activities:
(1) Sending staff of the Department to the county departments of social services to provide technical assistance and to monitor the services being provided by the facility.
(2) Advising county personnel as to appropriate policies and procedures.
(3) Establishing a plan of action to correct county performance.
The Secretary may determine that the Department shall assume the county's regulatory responsibility for the county's adult care homes. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2009-232, s. 3; 2011-99, s. 4; 2011-258, ss. 1, 2; 2017-184, s. 2; 2020-82, s. 3; 2025-25, s. 29(5).)
G.S. 131D-2.12 Training requirements; county departments of social services.
§ 131D-2.12. Training requirements; county departments of social services.
(a) The county departments of social services' adult home specialists and their supervisors shall complete:
(1) Eight hours of prebasic training within 60 days of employment;
(2) Thirty-two hours of basic training within six months of employment;
(3) Twenty-four hours of postbasic training within six months of the basic training program;
(4) A minimum of eight hours of complaint investigation training within six months of employment; and
(5) A minimum of 16 hours of statewide training annually by the Division of Health Service Regulation.
(b) The joint training requirements by the Department shall be as provided in G.S. 143B-139.5B. (2009-462, s. 1(e).)
G.S. 131D-2.13 Departmental duties.
§ 131D-2.13. Departmental duties.
(a) Enforcement of Room Ventilation and Temperature. - The Department shall monitor regularly the enforcement of rules pertaining to air circulation, ventilation, and room temperature in resident living quarters. These rules shall include the requirement that air conditioning or at least one fan per resident bedroom and living and dining areas be provided when the temperature in the main center corridor exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) Administrator Directory. - The Department shall keep an up-to-date directory of all persons who are administrators as defined in G.S. 131D-2.1.
(c) Departmental Complaint Hotline. - Adult care homes shall post the Division of Health Service Regulation's complaint hotline number conspicuously in a public place in the facility.
(d) Provider File. - The Department of Health and Human Services shall establish and maintain a provider file to record and monitor compliance histories of facilities, owners, operators, and affiliates of nursing homes and adult care homes.
(e) Report on Use of Restraint. - The Department shall report annually on October 1 to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services the following for the immediately preceding fiscal year:
(1) The level of compliance of each adult care home with applicable State law and rules governing the use of physical restraint and physical hold of residents. The information shall indicate areas of highest and lowest levels of compliance.
(2) The total number of adult care homes that reported deaths under G.S. 131D-34.1, the number of deaths reported by each facility, the number of deaths investigated pursuant to G.S. 131D-34.1, and the number found by the investigation to be related to the adult care home's use of physical restraint or physical hold. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2011-291, s. 2.47.)
G.S. 131D-2.14 Confidentiality.
§ 131D-2.14. Confidentiality.
Notwithstanding G.S. 8-53 or any other law relating to confidentiality of communications between physician and patient, in the course of an inspection conducted under G.S. 131D-2.11:
(1) Department representatives may review any writing or other record concerning the admission, discharge, medication, care, medical condition, or history of any person who is or has been a resident of the facility being inspected.
(2) Any person involved in giving care or treatment at or through the facility may disclose information to Department representatives unless the resident objects in writing to review of the resident's records or disclosure of such information.
(3) The facility, its employees, and any other person interviewed in the course of an inspection shall be immune from liability for damages resulting from disclosure of any information to the Department. The Department shall not disclose:
a. Any confidential or privileged information obtained under this section unless the resident or the resident's legal representative authorizes disclosure in writing or unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders disclosure, or
b. The name of anyone who has furnished information concerning a facility without that person's consent.
The Department shall institute appropriate policies and procedures to ensure that unauthorized disclosure does not occur. All confidential or privileged information obtained under this section and the names of persons providing such information shall be exempt from Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.
(4) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, the Public Records Law, applies to all records of the State Division of Social Services of the Department of Health and Human Services and of any county department of social services regarding inspections of adult care facilities except for information in the records that is confidential or privileged, including medical records, or that contains the names of residents or complainants. (2009-462, s. 1(e).)
G.S. 131D-2.15 Resident assessments.
§ 131D-2.15. Resident assessments.
(a) Initial Assessment. - The Department shall ensure that facilities conduct and complete an assessment of each resident within 72 hours of admitting the resident. In conducting the assessment, the facility shall use an assessment instrument approved in accordance with rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission. The Department shall provide ongoing training for facility personnel in the use of the approved assessment instrument.
(a1) Assessment to Develop Service Plans and Care Plans. - Within 30 days of admission, the facility shall conduct an assessment to develop appropriate and comprehensive service plans and care plans and to determine the level and type of facility staff that is needed to meet the needs of residents. The assessment shall determine a resident's level of functioning and shall include, but not be limited to, cognitive status and physical functioning in activities of daily living. Activities of daily living are personal functions essential for the health and well-being of the resident. The assessment shall not serve as the basis for medical care. The assessment shall indicate if the resident requires referral to the resident's physician or other appropriate licensed health care professional or community resource.
(a2) Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Services Assessment. - To fulfill the activities of daily living portion of any service plan or care plan required under subsection (a1) of this section, or any rules adopted under this Article, the facility may use a service plan that was completed within 35 days of the resident's admission to the facility and represents the result of an assessment to determine the resident's eligibility for personal care services under the Medicaid State Plan. If the facility uses a service plan for personal care services under the Medicaid State Plan developed within 35 days of resident admission, the facility shall be exempt from conducting an assessment of the resident's ability to perform activities of daily living within 30 days of resident admission. For purposes of this subsection, a resident must have received an assessment to develop appropriate and comprehensive service plans and care plans no later than 35 days after resident admission or subsection (a1) of this section applies.
(b) Review. - The Department, as part of its inspection and licensing of adult care homes, shall review assessments and related service plans and care plans for a selected number of residents. In conducting this review, the Department shall determine all of the following:
(1) Whether the appropriate assessment instrument was administered and interpreted correctly.
(2) Whether the facility is capable of providing the necessary services.
(3) Whether the service plan or care plan conforms to the results of an appropriately administered and interpreted assessment.
(4) Whether the service plans or care plans are being implemented fully and in accordance with an appropriately administered and interpreted assessment.
(c) Penalties. - If the Department finds that the facility is not carrying out its assessment responsibilities in accordance with this section, the Department shall notify the facility and require the facility to implement a corrective action plan. The Department shall also notify the resident of the results of its review of the assessment, service plans, and care plans developed for the resident. In addition to administrative penalties, the Secretary may suspend the admission of any new residents to the facility. The suspension shall be for the period determined by the Secretary and shall remain in effect until the Secretary is satisfied that conditions or circumstances merit removing the suspension. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2019-180, s. 1.)
G.S. 131D-2.16 Rules.
§ 131D-2.16. Rules.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the Medical Care Commission shall adopt rules necessary to carry out this Article. The Commission has the authority, in adopting rules, to specify the limitation of nursing services provided by assisted living residences. In developing rules, the Commission shall consider the need to ensure comparable quality of services provided to residents, whether these services are provided directly by a licensed assisted living provider, licensed home care agency, or hospice. In adult care homes, living arrangements where residents require supervision due to cognitive impairments, rules shall be adopted to ensure that supervision is appropriate and adequate to meet the special needs of these residents. Rulemaking authority under this section is in addition to that conferred under G.S. 131D-4.3 and G.S. 131D-4.5. (2009-462, s. 1(e); 2025-25, s. 29(6).)
G.S. 131D-2.17 Impact on other laws; severability.
§ 131D-2.17. Impact on other laws; severability.
(a) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede any federal or State antitrust, antikickback, or safe harbor laws or regulations.
(b) If any provisions of this section or the application of it to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are severable. (2009-462, s. 1(e).)
G.S. 131D-2.18 Application of other laws.
§ 131D-2.18. Application of other laws.
(a) Certification of assisted living administrators shall be as provided under Article 20A of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.
(b) Compliance with the Health Care Personnel Registry shall be as provided under G.S. 131E-256.
(c) Rules for the operation of the adult care portion of a combination home, as defined in G.S. 131E-101, shall be as provided in G.S. 131E-104. (2009-462, s. 1(e).)
G.S. 131D-3 Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 449, s. 1.
G.S. 131D-4 Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 449, s. 2.
G.S. 131D-4.1 Adult care homes; legislative intent.
§ 131D-4.1. Adult care homes; legislative intent.
The General Assembly finds and declares that the ability to exercise personal control over one's life is fundamental to human dignity and quality of life and that dependence on others for some assistance with daily life activities should not require surrendering personal control of informed decision making or risk taking in all areas of one's life.
The General Assembly intends to ensure that adult care homes provide services that assist the residents in such a way as to assure quality of life and maximum flexibility in meeting individual needs and preserving individual autonomy. (1995, c. 449, s. 3; c. 535, s. 9.)
G.S. 131D-4.2 Adult care homes; family care homes; cost reports; exemptions; enforcement.
§ 131D-4.2. Adult care homes; family care homes; cost reports; exemptions; enforcement.
(a) Except for family care homes, adult care homes with a licensed capacity of seven to twenty beds, which are licensed pursuant to this Chapter, to Chapter 122C of the General Statutes, and to Chapter 131E of the General Statutes, shall submit audited reports of actual costs to the Department at least every two years in accordance with rules adopted by the Department under G.S. 143B-10. Adult care homes licensed under Chapter 131D of the General Statutes that have special care units shall include in reports required under this subsection cost reports specific to the special care unit and shall not average special care costs with other costs of the adult care home.
(b) Except for family care homes, adult care homes with a licensed capacity of twenty-one beds or more, which are licensed pursuant to this Chapter, to Chapter 122C of the General Statutes, and to Chapter 131E of the General Statutes, shall submit audited reports of actual costs at least every two years to the Department of Health and Human Services, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department under G.S. 143B-10. Adult care homes licensed under Chapter 131D of the General Statutes that have special care units shall include in the reports required under this subsection cost reports specific to the special care unit and shall not average special care costs with other costs of the adult care home.
(c) Repealed by Session Laws 1999-334, s. 3.1.
(d) Facilities that do not receive State/County Special Assistance or Medicaid personal care are exempt from the reporting requirements of this section.
(e) The Department shall establish specific reporting deadlines for each type of facility required to report under this section. If the Department finds good cause for delay, it may extend the deadline for filing a report for up to an additional 30 days.
(f) The Department shall have the authority to conduct audits and review audits submitted pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(g) The Department shall suspend admissions to facilities that fail to submit annual reports by the applicable reporting deadline or by the date established by the Department when good cause for delay is found pursuant to G.S. 131D-4.2(e). Suspension of admissions shall remain in effect until reports are submitted or licenses are suspended or revoked under subdivision (2) of this subsection. The Department may take either or both of the following actions to enforce compliance by a facility with this section, or to punish noncompliance:
(1) Seek a court order to enforce compliance;
(2) Suspend or revoke the facility's license, subject to the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(h) The report documentation shall be used to adjust the adult care home rate at least every two years, an adjustment that is in addition to the annual standard adjustment for inflation as determined by the Office of State Budget and Management. Rates for family care homes shall be based on market rate data. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules for the rate-setting methodology and audited cost reports in accordance with G.S. 143B-10. (1995, c. 449, s. 3; c. 535, s. 10; 1997-73, ss. 1, 2; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 1998-212, s. 12.1A; 1999-334, ss. 3.1, 3.2; 2000-140, s. 93.1(a); 2001-157, s. 1; 2001-424, s. 12.2(b); 2016-94, s. 12G.2.)
G.S. 131D-4.3 Adult care home rules.
§ 131D-4.3. Adult care home rules.
(a) Pursuant to G.S. 143B-165, the North Carolina Medical Care Commission shall adopt rules to ensure at a minimum, but shall not be limited to, the provision of each of the following by adult care homes:
(1) Repealed by Session Laws 2000-111, s. 1.
(2) A minimum of 80 hours of training for personal care aides. The training for aides shall be comparable to State-approved Certified Nurse Aide I training.
The facility may exempt from the 80-hour training requirement any personal care aides who are or have been either licensed as a health care professional or listed on the Nurse Aide Registry.
(3) Monitoring and supervision of residents.
(4) Oversight and quality of care as stated in G.S. 131D-4.1.
(5) Adult care homes shall comply with all of the following staffing requirements:
a. First shift (morning): 0.4 hours of aide duty for each resident (licensed capacity or resident census), or 8.0 hours of aide duty per each 20 residents (licensed capacity or resident census) plus 3.0 hours for all other residents, whichever is greater;
b. Second shift (afternoon): 0.4 hours of aide duty for each resident (licensed capacity or resident census), or 8.0 hours of aide duty per each 20 residents plus 3.0 hours for all other residents (licensed capacity or resident census), whichever is greater;
c. Third shift (evening): 8.0 hours of aide duty per 30 or fewer residents (licensed capacity or resident census).
The facility shall provide staff to meet the needs of the facility's residents. Each facility shall post in a conspicuous place information about required staffing that enables residents and their families to ascertain each day the number of direct care staff and supervisors that are required by law to be on duty for each shift for that day.
(b) Rules to implement this section shall be adopted as emergency rules in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(c) The Department may suspend or revoke a facility's license, subject to the provisions of Chapter 150B, to enforce compliance by a facility with this section or to punish noncompliance. (1995, c. 449, s. 3; c. 535, s. 10; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 1998-212, s. 12.16B(a); 2000-111, s. 1; 2001-85, s. 1; 2001-487, s. 85(a); 2017-184, s. 3.)
G.S. 131D-4.4 Adult care home minimum safety requirements; smoking prohibited inside long-term care facilities; penalty.
§ 131D-4.4. Adult care home minimum safety requirements; smoking prohibited inside long-term care facilities; penalty.
(a) In addition to other requirements established by this Article or by rules adopted pursuant to this Article or other provisions of law, every adult care home shall provide to each resident the care, safety, and services necessary to enable the resident to attain and maintain the highest practicable level of physical, emotional, and social well-being in accordance with:
(1) The resident's individual assessment and plan of care; and
(2) Rules and standards relating to quality of care and safety adopted under this Chapter.
(b) Smoking is prohibited inside long-term care facilities. As used in this section:
(1) "Long-term care facilities" include adult care homes, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, facilities licensed under Chapter 122C of the General Statutes, and other licensed facilities that provide long-term care services.
(2) "Smoking" means the use or possession of any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other lighted smoking product.
(3) "Inside" means a fully enclosed area.
(c) The person who owns, manages, operates, or otherwise controls a long-term care facility where smoking is prohibited under this section shall:
(1) Conspicuously post signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited inside the facility. The signs may include the international "No Smoking" symbol, which consists of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it.
(2) Direct any person who is smoking inside the facility to extinguish the lighted smoking product.
(3) Provide written notice to individuals upon admittance that smoking is prohibited inside the facility and obtain the signature of the individual or the individual's representative acknowledging receipt of the notice.
(d) The Department may impose an administrative penalty not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each violation on any person who owns, manages, operates, or otherwise controls the long-term care facility and fails to comply with subsection (c) of this section. A violation of this section constitutes a civil offense only and is not a crime. (1999-334, s. 1.1; 2007-459, s. 1.)
G.S. 131D-4.4A Adult care home infection prevention requirements.
§ 131D-4.4A. Adult care home infection prevention requirements.
(a) As used in this section, "adult care home staff" means any employee of an adult care home.
(b) In order to prevent transmission of infectious diseases, each adult care home shall do all of the following:
(1) Implement written infection prevention and control policies and procedures that are based on accepted national standards consistent with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on infection control, which shall be maintained in the facility and accessible to adult care home staff working at the facility. The policies and procedures shall address at least all of the following:
a. Proper disposal of single-use equipment used to puncture skin, mucous membranes, and other tissues, and proper disinfection of reusable resident care items that are used for multiple residents.
b. Sanitation of rooms and equipment, including cleaning procedures, agents, and schedules.
c. Accessibility of infection control devices and supplies.
d. Blood and bodily fluid precautions.
e. Procedures to be followed when adult care home staff is exposed to blood or other body fluids of another person in a manner that poses a significant risk of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other bloodborne pathogens.
f. Procedures to prohibit adult care home staff with exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis from engaging in direct resident care that involves the potential for contact between the resident, equipment, or devices and the lesion or dermatitis until the condition resolves.
g. Standard and transmission-based precautions, including the following:
1. Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
2. Environmental cleaning and disinfection.
3. Reprocessing and disinfection of reusable resident devices.
4. Hand hygiene.
5. Accessibility and proper use of personal protective equipment.
6. Types of transmission-based precautions and when each type is indicated, including contact precautions, droplet precautions, and airborne precautions.
h. In accordance with the public health laws of North Carolina, when and how to report to the local health department a suspected or confirmed, reportable communicable disease case or condition, or a communicable disease outbreak.
i. Procedures for ensuring that residents, representatives of residents, and adult care home staff are informed of the following without disclosing any personally identifiable information of the facility's residents or staff:
1. The existence of a communicable disease outbreak within 24 hours following confirmation of the outbreak by the local health department.
2. When the communicable disease outbreak has resolved.
3. Any changes to facility operations during the communicable disease outbreak, such as visitation policy changes.
j. Measures the facility should consider for specific types of communicable disease outbreaks in order to prevent the spread of illness, such as:
1. Isolating infected residents.
2. Limiting or stopping group activities and communal dining.
3. Limiting or restricting outside visitation to the facility.
4. Screening staff, residents, and visitors for signs of illness.
5. Using source control as tolerated by the residents.
k. Strategies for addressing potential staffing issues and ensuring adequate staffing is available to meet the needs of the residents during a communicable disease outbreak.
(2) Require and monitor compliance with the facility's infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
(3) Update the infection prevention and control policies and procedures as necessary to maintain consistency with accepted national standards in infection prevention and control.
(4) Designate one on-site staff member for each noncontiguous facility who is knowledgeable about the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on infection control to direct the facility's infection control activities and ensure that all adult care home staff is trained in the facility's written infection prevention and control policies and procedures developed pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) of this section within 30 days after hire and annually thereafter. Any nonsupervisory staff member designated to direct the facility's infection control activities shall complete the infection control course developed by the Department pursuant to G.S. 131D-4.5C.
(5) When a communicable disease outbreak has been identified at a facility or there is an emerging infectious disease threat, the facility shall ensure implementation of the facility's infection control and prevention policies and procedures developed pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) of this section; provided, however, that if guidance or directives specific to a communicable disease outbreak or emerging infectious disease threat have been issued in writing by the Department or local health department, the Department's or local health department's specific guidance or directives shall be implemented by the facility. (2011-99, s. 3; 2021-180, s. 9E.7(a); 2021-189, s. 3.2(a).)
G.S. 131D-4.4B Guidelines for reporting suspected communicable disease outbreaks.
§ 131D-4.4B. Guidelines for reporting suspected communicable disease outbreaks.
The Department shall develop guidelines prescribing the manner in which an adult care home is to report a suspected communicable disease outbreak within the facility to the local health department. (2011-99, s. 3.)
G.S. 131D-4.5 Rules adopted by Medical Care Commission.
§ 131D-4.5. Rules adopted by Medical Care Commission.
The Medical Care Commission shall adopt rules as follows:
(1) Establishing minimum medication administration standards for adult care homes. The rules shall include the minimum staffing and training requirements for medication aides and standards for professional supervision of adult care homes' medication controls. The requirements shall (i) include compliance with G.S. 131D-4.5B and (ii) be designed to reduce the medication error rate in adult care homes to an acceptable level. The requirements shall include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:
a. Training for medication aides, including periodic refresher training.
b. Standards for management of complex medication regimens.
c. Oversight by licensed professionals.
d. Measures to ensure proper storage of medication.
(2) Establishing training requirements for adult care home staff in behavioral interventions. The training shall include appropriate responses to behavioral problems posed by adult care residents. The training shall emphasize safety and humane care and shall specifically include alternatives to the use of restraints.
(3) Establishing minimum training and education qualifications for supervisors in adult care homes and specifying the safety responsibilities of supervisors. The minimum training qualifications shall include compliance with G.S. 131D-4.5C.
(4) Specifying the qualifications of staff who shall be on duty in adult care homes during various portions of the day in order to assure safe and quality care for the residents. The rules shall take into account varied resident needs and population mixes.
(5) Implementing the due process and appeal rights for discharge and transfer of residents in adult care homes afforded by G.S. 131D-21. The rules shall offer protections to residents for safe and orderly transfer and discharge.
(6) Establishing procedures for determining the compliance history of adult care homes' principals and affiliates. The rules shall include criteria for refusing to license facilities which have a history of, or have principals or affiliates with a history of, noncompliance with State law, or disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
(7) For the licensure of special care units in accordance with G.S. 131D-4.6, and for disclosures required to be made under G.S. 131D-8.
(8) For time limited provisional licenses and for granting extensions for provisional licenses.
(9) For the issuance of certificates to adult care homes as authorized under G.S. 131D-10. (1999-334, s. 1.1; 2000-111, s. 2; 2007-544, s. 3(a); 2011-99, ss. 1, 2; 2011-272, s. 2.)
G.S. 131D-4.5A Fees for medication aides.
§ 131D-4.5A. Fees for medication aides.
The Department may impose a fee, not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), on an applicant seeking certification as an assisted living home medication aide to cover the costs of testing and materials in administering a certification examination. (2010-31, s. 10.36A(a).)
G.S. 131D-4.5B Adult care home medication aides; training and competency evaluation requirements.
§ 131D-4.5B. Adult care home medication aides; training and competency evaluation requirements.
(a) By January 1, 2012, the Division of Health Service Regulation shall develop a mandatory, annual in-service training program for adult care home medication aides on infection control, safe practices for injections and any other procedures during which bleeding typically occurs, and glucose monitoring. Each medication aide who successfully completes the in-service training program shall receive partial credit, in an amount determined by the Department, toward the continuing education requirements for adult care home medication aides established by the Commission pursuant to G.S. 131D-4.5.
(b) Beginning October 1, 2013, an adult care home is prohibited from allowing staff to perform any unsupervised medication aide duties unless that individual has previously worked as a medication aide during the previous 24 months in an adult care home or successfully completed all of the following:
(1) A five-hour training program developed by the Department that includes training and instruction in all of the following:
a. The key principles of medication administration.
b. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on infection control and, if applicable, safe injection practices and procedures for monitoring or testing in which bleeding occurs or the potential for bleeding exists.
(2) A clinical skills evaluation consistent with 10A NCAC 13F .0503 and 10A NCAC 13G .0503.
(3) Within 60 days from the date of hire, the individual must have completed the following:
a. An additional 10-hour training program developed by the Department that includes training and instruction in all of the following:
1. The key principles of medication administration.
2. The federal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on infection control and, if applicable, safe injection practices and procedures for monitoring or testing in which bleeding occurs or the potential for bleeding exists.
b. An examination developed and administered by the Division of Health Service Regulation in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(c) By October 1, 2012, the Division of Health Service Regulation shall develop and administer an examination for individuals seeking employment as a medication aide in an adult care home. (2011-99, s. 5.)
G.S. 131D-4.5C Adult care home supervisors; infection control training requirements.
§ 131D-4.5C. Adult care home supervisors; infection control training requirements.
(a) The Department shall develop, in consultation with associations representing adult care home providers, model infection prevention and control policies and procedures that are consistent with accepted national standards and address the factors identified in G.S. 131D-4.4A(b)(1). The Department shall make these model infection prevention and control policies and procedures available to adult care homes on the Department's website.
(b) The Department shall develop a mandatory, annual course for adult care home supervisors on implementation of the model infection prevention and control policies and procedures developed by the Department in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Each supervisor that successfully completes the mandatory infection control course shall receive credit, in an amount determined by the Department, toward the continuing education requirements for adult care home supervisors established by the Commission pursuant to G.S. 131D-4.5. (2011-99, s. 5; 2021-189, s. 3.2(b); 2025-25, s. 29(5).)
G.S. 131D-4.6 Licensure of special care units.
§ 131D-4.6. Licensure of special care units.
(a) As used in this section, the term "special care unit" means a wing or hallway within an adult care home, or a program provided by an adult care home, that is designated especially for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition as determined by the Medical Care Commission.
(b) An adult care home that holds itself out to the public as providing a special care unit shall be licensed as such and shall, in addition to other licensing requirements for adult care homes, meet the standards established under rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission.
(c) An adult care home that holds itself out to the public as providing a special care unit without being licensed as a special care unit is subject to licensure actions and penalties provided under Part 1 of this Article, as well as any other action permitted by law. (1999-334, s. 1.1; 2009-462, s. 4(f).)
G.S. 131D-4.7 Adult care home specialist fund.
§ 131D-4.7. Adult care home specialist fund.
There is established the adult care home specialist fund. The fund shall be maintained in and by the Department for the purpose of assisting county departments of social services in paying salaries of adult care home specialists. (1999-334, s. 1.1.)
G.S. 131D-4.8 Discharge of residents; appeals.
§ 131D-4.8. Discharge of residents; appeals.
(a) An adult care home may initiate discharge of a resident based on any of the following reasons:
(1) The discharge is necessary to protect the welfare of the resident and the adult care home cannot meet the needs of the resident, as documented by the resident's physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
(2) The health of the resident has improved sufficiently so that the resident is no longer in need of the services provided by the adult care home, as documented by the resident's physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
(3) The safety of the resident or other individuals in the adult care home is endangered.
(4) The health of the resident or other individuals in the adult care home is endangered, as documented by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
(5) The resident has failed to pay the costs of services and accommodations by the payment due date specified in the resident's contract with the adult care home, after receiving written notice of warning of discharge for failure to pay.
(6) The discharge is mandated under this Article, Article 3 of this Chapter, or rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission.
(b) Upon arrival at any adult care home, an individual must be identified to receive a discharge notice on behalf of the resident. An adult care home shall notify a resident, the resident's legal representative, and the individual identified to receive a discharge notice of its intent to initiate the discharge of the resident under subsection (a) of this section, in writing, at least 30 days before the resident is discharged. The written notice shall include (i) the reasons for the discharge, (ii) an appropriate discharge destination if known, (iii) personal medical care information relating to the resident, as required by the Department, (iv) a copy of the Adult Care Home Notice of Discharge, (v) a copy of the Adult Care Home Hearing Request Form, and (vi) other information, as required under rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission. If a discharge is initiated under subdivision (a)(1) of this section on the basis that a resident's physician requires a different level of care for the resident, the discharge is not subject to appeal for that specific reason unless there is a documented conflict between two or more of the resident's physicians regarding the resident's appropriate level of care but remains subject to appeal on all other available grounds.
(c) During any appeal of a discharge to the Hearing Unit, if the Hearing Unit determines that the discharge destination identified in the written notice required by subsection (b) of this section does not include an appropriate discharge destination, the Department shall not prohibit discharge solely for that reason, provided that any discharge shall comply with subsection (e) of this section.
(d) If an adult care home resident or the resident's legal representative elects to appeal a discharge initiated by the adult care home, the appeal shall be to the Hearing Unit. The Hearing Unit shall decide all appeals pertaining to the discharge of adult care home residents. The decision of the Hearing Unit is the final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Hearing Unit pertaining to an adult care home resident discharge is entitled to immediate judicial review of the decision in Wake County Superior Court or in the superior court of the county where the person resides. The appellant shall file a petition for judicial review not later than 30 days after the person is served with a written copy of the Hearing Unit decision. Within 10 days after the petition for judicial review is filed with the superior court, the appellant shall serve copies of the petition by personal service or certified mail upon all parties who were parties of record to the appeal to the Hearing Unit. Other parties to the appeal to the Hearing Unit may file a response to the petition within 30 days after service. The Department as the decision maker in the appeal to the Hearing Unit is not a party of record. Within 30 days after receipt of a petition for judicial review, the Department shall transmit to the superior court the original or a certified copy of the official record in the appeal to the Hearing Unit, together with the final agency decision. In reviewing the Department's final decision, the superior court shall review the official record, de novo, and make findings of fact and conclusions of law. The decision of the Department remains in effect during the pendency of review by the superior court and any further review in the appellate courts.
(e) The facility shall convene the adult care home resident discharge team to assist with finding a placement for a resident if, at the time of notice of discharge, the destination is unknown, or the destination is not appropriate for the resident. The facility is not solely responsible for securing an appropriate discharge destination. Local management entities shall take the lead role for the discharge destination for those residents whose primary unmet needs are related to mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse and who meet the criteria for the target population established by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. Local departments of social services shall take the lead role for those residents whose primary unmet needs are related to health, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, welfare, abuse, or neglect. When the adult care home resident discharge team is convened at the request of a facility, the adult care home resident discharge team shall consult with that facility, as well as the resident receiving the discharge notice and that resident's legal representative. Upon the request of the resident or the resident's legal representative, the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall serve as a member of the adult care home resident discharge team. The facility requesting the adult care home resident discharge team to be convened shall notify the resident and the resident's legal representative of this right. The adult care home resident discharge team shall provide the Hearing Unit with the discharge location at or before the discharge hearing.
(f) Meetings of the adult care home resident discharge team are not subject to the provisions of Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. All information and records acquired by the adult care home resident discharge team in the exercise of its duties are confidential unless all parties give written consent to the release of that information.
(g) If a discharge is under appeal to the Hearing Unit, the resident shall remain in the facility and shall not be subject to discharge until issuance of the decision of the Hearing Unit with the following exceptions:
(1) The discharge is necessary for the resident's welfare and the resident's needs cannot be met in the facility as documented by the resident's physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner;
(2) The safety of other individuals in the facility is endangered; [or]
(3) The health of other individuals in the facility is endangered as documented by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. (2011-272, s. 4; 2023-65, s. 5.2(b).)
G.S. 131D-5 Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 637, s. 1.
G.S. 131D-6 Certification of adult day care programs; purpose; definition; penalty.
§ 131D-6. Certification of adult day care programs; purpose; definition; penalty.
(a) It is the policy of this State to enable people who would otherwise need full-time care away from their own residences to remain in their residences as long as possible and to enjoy as much independence as possible. One of the programs that permits adults to remain in their residences and with their families is adult day care.
(b) As used in this section "adult day care program" means the provision of group care and supervision in a place other than their usual place of abode on a less than 24-hour basis to adults who may be physically or mentally disabled, except that an adult day care program provider may provide overnight respite services on a 24-hour basis in accordance with G.S. 131D-6.1. The Department of Health and Human Services shall annually inspect and certify all adult day care programs, under rules adopted by the Social Services Commission. The Social Services Commission shall adopt rules to protect the health, safety, and welfare of persons in adult day care programs. These rules shall include minimum standards relating to management of the program, staffing requirements, building requirements, fire safety, sanitation, nutrition, and program activities. Adult day care programs are not required to provide transportation to participants; however, those programs that choose to provide transportation shall comply with rules adopted by the Commission for the health and safety of participants during transport.
The Department of Health and Human Services shall enforce the rules of the Social Services Commission.
(b1) An adult day care program that provides or that advertises, markets, or otherwise promotes itself as providing special care services for persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition shall provide the following written disclosures to the Department and to persons seeking adult day care program special care services:
(1) A statement of the overall philosophy and mission of the adult day care program and how it reflects the special needs of participants with dementia.
(2) The process and criteria for providing or discontinuing special care services.
(3) The process used for assessment and establishment of the plan of care and its implementation, including how the plan of care is responsive to changes in the participant's condition.
(4) Staffing ratios and how they meet the participant's need for increased special care and supervision.
(5) Staff training that is dementia-specific.
(6) Physical environment and design features that specifically address the needs of participants with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
(7) Frequency and type of participant activities provided.
(8) Involvement of families in special care and availability of family support programs.
(9) Additional costs and fees to the participant for special care.
(b2) As part of its certification renewal procedures and inspections, the Department shall examine for accuracy the written disclosure of each adult day care program subject to this section. Substantial changes to written disclosures shall be reported to the Department at the time the change is made.
(b3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting an adult day care program that does not advertise, market, or otherwise promote itself as providing special care services for persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias from providing adult day care services to persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition.
(b4) As used in this section, the term "special care service" means a program, service, or activity designed especially for participants with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition as determined by the Medical Care Commission.
(c) The Secretary may impose a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each violation on a person, firm, agency, or corporation who willfully violates any provision of this section or any rule adopted by the Social Services Commission pursuant to this section. Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation.
In determining the amount of the civil penalty, the Secretary shall consider the degree and extent of the harm or potential harm caused by the violation.
The Social Services Commission shall adopt rules concerning the imposition of civil penalties under this subsection.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2.
(c1) Any person, firm, agency, or corporation that harms or willfully neglects a person under its care is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(d) The following programs are exempted from the provisions of this section:
(1) Those that care for three people or less;
(2) Those that care for two or more persons, all of whom are related by blood or marriage to the operator of the facility; [and]
(3) Those that are required by other statutes to be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services. (1985, c. 349, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 954; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 1998-215, s. 77; 1999-334, s. 2.2; 2001-90, s. 1; 2015-241, s. 12G.3(b).)
G.S. 131D-7 Waiver of rules and increase in bed capacity during an emergency.
§ 131D-7. Waiver of rules and increase in bed capacity during an emergency.
(a) The Division of Health Service Regulation may temporarily waive, during disasters or emergencies declared in accordance with Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the General Statutes, any rules of the Commission pertaining to adult care homes to the extent necessary to allow the adult care home to provide temporary shelter and temporary services requested by the emergency management agency. The Division may identify, in advance of a declared disaster or emergency, rules that may be waived, and the extent the rules may be waived, upon a disaster or emergency being declared in accordance with Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the General Statutes. The Division may also waive rules under this subsection during a declared disaster or emergency upon the request of an emergency management agency and may rescind the waiver if, after investigation, the Division determines the waiver poses an unreasonable risk to the health, safety, or welfare of any of the persons occupying the adult care home. The emergency management agency requesting temporary shelter or temporary services shall notify the Division within 72 hours of the time the preapproved waivers are deemed by the emergency management agency to apply.
(a1) In the event of a declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor in accordance with Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the General Statutes, a declaration of a national emergency by the President of the United States, a declaration of a public health emergency by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services; or to the extent necessary to allow for consistency with any temporary waiver or modification issued by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under section 1135 or 1812(f) of the Social Security Act; or when the Division of Health Service Regulation determines the existence of an emergency that poses a risk to the health or safety of residents, the Division of Health Service Regulation may do either or both of the following:
(1) Temporarily waive any rules of the Commission pertaining to adult care homes.
(2) Allow an adult care home to temporarily increase its bed capacity.
(b) As used in this section, "emergency management agency" is as defined in G.S. 166A-19.3. (1999-307, s. 2; 2007-182, s. 1; 2012-12, s. 2(s); 2022-74, s. 9E.2(b).)
G.S. 131D-7.1 Secretary to establish visitation protocols during declared disasters and emergencies.
§ 131D-7.1. Secretary to establish visitation protocols during declared disasters and emergencies.
(a) As used in this section and in G.S. 131D-7.2, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) Disaster declaration. - As defined in G.S. 166A-19.3(3).
(2) Emergency. - As defined in G.S. 166A-19.3(6).
(3) Facility. - An adult care home, including a family care home, licensed under this Article.
(4) Normal visitation policy. - The visitation policy that was in effect at a facility on January 1, 2020.
(b) The Secretary shall, in consultation with licensed operators of adult care homes, including family care homes, and any other stakeholders the Secretary deems relevant, establish visitation protocols for residents of these facilities that will become effective during a disaster declaration or emergency that results in the suspension or curtailment of a facility's normal visitation policy for any reason. The visitation protocols shall provide for at least the following:
(1) Each resident shall have the right to designate one preapproved visitor and one preapproved alternate visitor. The preapproved visitor, or if the preapproved visitor is unavailable, the preapproved alternate visitor, shall be allowed to visit the resident at least twice per month during any period of time during which the facility's normal visitation policy is suspended or curtailed for any reason during the declared disaster or emergency.
(2) Prior to admission, each facility shall explain and provide to each resident written notification of the visitation protocols established by the Secretary under this section.
(3) Visitation under these protocols shall be subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services directives and to the guidelines, conditions, and limitations established by the facility as part of its normal visitation policy. (2021-145, s. 3(a).)
G.S. 131D-7.2 Resident visitation rights for adult care homes, including family care homes, during a disaster declaration or emergency.
§ 131D-7.2. Resident visitation rights for adult care homes, including family care homes, during a disaster declaration or emergency.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Part, Chapter 166A of the General Statutes, or any other provision of law to the contrary, the visitation protocols established by the Secretary under G.S. 131D-7.1 shall be in effect during any period of time when (i) there is a declared disaster or emergency and (ii) an adult care home, including a family care home, licensed under this Article suspends or restricts the normal visitation policy for any reason. (2021-145, s. 3(a).)
G.S. 131D-7.5 Patient visitation rights for adult care home residents and special care unit residents.
§ 131D-7.5. Patient visitation rights for adult care home residents and special care unit residents.
(a) Any facility licensed under this Chapter shall allow residents to receive visitors of their choice to the fullest extent permitted under the infection and prevention control program of the facility and applicable guidelines or orders issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department, local health departments, or any other government public health agency.
(b) In the event the Department finds an adult care home has violated any rule, regulation, guidance, directive, or law relating to a resident's visitation rights, the Department may issue a warning to the facility about the violation and give the facility not more than 24 hours to allow visitation. If visitation is not allowed after the 24-hour warning period, the Department shall impose a civil penalty in an amount not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each instance on each day the facility was found to have a violation. This civil penalty shall be in addition to any licensure action, fine, or civil penalty that the Department may impose pursuant to this Chapter.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, in the event that circumstances require the complete closure of a facility to visitors, the facility shall use its best efforts to develop alternate visitation protocols that would allow visitation to the greatest extent safely possible. If those alternate protocols are found by the Department, the local health departments, or any other government public health agency to violate any rule, regulation, guidance, or federal law relating to a resident's visitation rights, the Department may impose a civil penalty in an amount not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each instance on each day the facility was found to have a violation. This civil penalty shall be in addition to any licensure action, fine, or civil penalty that the Department may impose pursuant to this Chapter.
(d) Each facility shall provide notice of the patient visitation rights in this act to residents and, when possible, family members of residents. The required notice shall also include the contact information for the agency or individuals tasked with investigating violations of adult care home resident visitation.
(e) Subject to, and to the fullest extent permitted by, any rules, regulations, or guidelines adopted by either the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or any federal law, each facility shall allow compassionate care visits. The facility may require compassionate care visitors to submit to health screenings necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the facility may restrict a compassionate care visitor who does not pass a health screening requirement or who has tested positive for an infectious disease. The facility may require compassionate care visitors to adhere to infection control procedures, including wearing personal protective equipment. Compassionate care situations that require visits include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) End-of-life situations.
(2) A resident who was living with his or her family before recently being admitted to the facility is struggling with the change in environment and lack of physical family support.
(3) A resident who is grieving after a friend or family member recently passed away.
(4) A resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, previously provided by family or caregivers, is experiencing weight loss or dehydration.
(5) A resident, who used to talk and interact with others, is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently when the resident had rarely cried in the past. (2021-171, s. 5; 2021-181, s. 2(d), (e).)
G.S. 131D-8 Adult care home special care units; disclosure of information required.
§ 131D-8. Adult care home special care units; disclosure of information required.
(a) An adult care home licensed under this Part that provides care for persons in special care units as defined in G.S. 131D-4.6 shall disclose the form of care or treatment provided that distinguishes the special care unit as being especially designed for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition. The disclosure shall be in writing and shall be made to all of the following:
(1) The Department as part of its licensing procedures.
(2) Each person seeking placement within a special care unit, or the person's authorized representative, prior to entering into an agreement with the person to provide special care.
(3) The Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, annually, or more often if requested.
(b) Information that must be disclosed in writing shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) A statement of the overall philosophy and mission of the licensed facility and how it reflects the special needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition.
(2) The process and criteria for placement, transfer, or discharge to or from the special care unit.
(3) The process used for assessment and establishment of the plan of care and its implementation, including how the plan of care is responsive to changes in the resident's condition.
(4) Staffing ratios and how they meet the resident's need for increased care and supervision.
(5) Staff training that is dementia-specific.
(6) Physical environment and design features that specifically address the needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
(7) Frequency and type of programs and activities for residents of the special care unit.
(8) Involvement of families in resident care, and availability of family support programs.
(9) Additional costs and fees to the resident for special care.
(c) As part of its license renewal procedures and inspections, the Department shall examine for accuracy the written disclosure of each adult care home subject to this section. Substantial changes to written disclosures shall be reported to the Department at the time the change is made.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting an adult care home that does not offer a special care unit from admitting a person with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition. The disclosures required under this section apply only to an adult care home that advertises, markets, or otherwise promotes itself as providing a special care unit for persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
(e) As used in this section, the term "special care unit" has the same meaning as applies under G.S. 131D-4.6. (1999-334, s. 2.1; 1999-456, s. 61(a).)
G.S. 131D-9 Immunization of employees and residents of adult care homes.
§ 131D-9. Immunization of employees and residents of adult care homes.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, an adult care home licensed under this Article shall require residents and employees to be immunized annually against influenza virus and shall require residents to also be immunized against pneumococcal disease.
(b) Upon admission, an adult care home shall notify the resident of the immunization requirements of this section and shall request that the resident agree to be immunized against influenza virus and pneumococcal disease.
(b1) An adult care home shall notify every employee of the immunization requirements of this section and shall request that the employee agree to be immunized against the influenza virus.
(c) An adult care home shall document the annual immunization against influenza virus and the immunization against pneumococcal disease for each resident and each employee, as required under this section. Upon finding that a resident is lacking one or both of these immunizations or that an employee has not been immunized against influenza virus, or if the adult care home is unable to verify that the individual has received the required immunization, the adult care home shall provide or arrange for immunization. The immunization and documentation required shall occur not later than November 30 of each year.
(d) For an individual who becomes a resident of or who is newly employed by the adult care home after November 30 but before March 30 of the following year, the adult care home shall determine the individual's status for the immunizations required under this section, and if found to be deficient, the adult care home shall provide the immunization.
(e) No individual shall be required to receive vaccine under this section if the vaccine is medically contraindicated, or if the vaccine is against the individual's religious beliefs, or if the individual refuses the vaccine after being fully informed of the health risks of not being immunized.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Commission for Public Health shall have the authority to adopt rules to implement the immunization requirements of this section.
(g) As used in this section, "employee" means an individual who is a part-time or full-time employee of the adult care home. (2000-112, ss. 1, 2; 2007-182, s. 1.3.)
G.S. 131D-10 Adult care home rated certificates.
§ 131D-10. Adult care home rated certificates.
(a) Rules adopted by the North Carolina Medical Care Commission for issuance of certificates to adult care homes shall contain a rating based, at a minimum, on the following:
(1) Inspections and substantiated complaint investigations conducted by the Department to determine compliance with licensing statutes and rules. Specific areas to be reviewed include:
a. Admission and discharge procedures.
b. Medication management.
c. Physical plant.
d. Resident care and services, including food services, resident activities programs, and safety measures.
e. Residents' rights.
f. Sanitation grade.
g. Special Care Units.
h. Use of physical restraints and alternatives.
(b) The Division of Health Service Regulation shall issue ratings to a facility pursuant to the rules adopted under this section based on both of the following:
(1) Inspections and investigations of complaints conducted pursuant to G.S. 131D-2.11 and G.S. 131D-26 that revealed noncompliance with statutes and rules.
(2) The facility's participation in any quality improvement programs approved by the Department.
(c) Repealed by Session Laws 2017-184, s. 5, effective October 1, 2017.
(c1) The Division of Health Service Regulation shall issue a star rating to a facility within 45 days from the date the Division mails the survey or inspection report to the facility, except when a timely request has been made by the facility under G.S. 131D-2.11 for informal dispute resolution. If a facility makes a timely request for informal dispute resolution, the Division of Health Service Regulation shall issue a star rating to the facility within 15 days from the date the Division mails the informal dispute decision to the facility.
(d) Adult care homes shall display the rating certificate in a location visible to the public. Certificates shall include the website address for the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, which can be accessed for specific information regarding the basis of the facility rating. For access by the public on request, adult care homes shall also maintain on-site a copy of information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, regarding the basis of the facility rating.
(e) The Department shall make available free of charge to the general public on the Division of Health Service Regulation website each facility rating and specific information regarding the basis for calculating each facility rating. (2007-544, s. 3(b); 2017-184, s. 5; 2025-25, s. 29(5).)
Source: North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov)URL: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByChapter/Chapter_131D.htmlFetched: 10/19/2026