Sen. White's Proposed Study of Care Home Rules Adopted

Onerous new regulations may force closure of many small facilities

The Senate today adopted Senate Resolution 260, a measure introduced by Senator Don White, R-41st District, calling for a comprehensive study of the impact a new set of state regulations are having on personal care facilities and their residents.

Concerned that the onerous new set of state regulations recently implemented by the Department of Public Welfare is forcing some small personal care homes out of business, Senator Don White introduced his Resolution.

 "Some personal care homes have already closed and many others have expressed very serious concerns over their ability to continue to operate under these new regulations," Senator White said.  "Personal care homes provide an important service for Pennsylvania's families. For the most part, personal care homes are primarily small, family-run operations, but they currently serve approximately 50,000 residents."

Recently, the DPW implemented the new personal care home regulations, as set by 55 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 2600. A 144-page "Licensing Measuring Instrument" used as part of Chapter 2600 is available on the Department of Public Welfare website. 

"Should these regulations be as onerous as many fear, we could see many more of the facilities closing their doors. That would have a severe impact on families and the Commonwealth could face a major fiscal crisis as thousands of residents may be displaced," Senator White said.  "For those reasons, I am pleased that the Senate adopted my Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact Chapter 2600 regulations will have on personal care homes and their residents."