Omaha Senior AdvisorDoes every assisted living home in Omaha need a state license?
Yes, if it provides shelter, food and care for pay to four or more residents for more than 24 hours; Nebraska DHHS licenses it as an assisted-living facility under 175 NAC 4.
A home serving three or fewer people falls outside the ALF definition.
When do Nebraska assisted living licenses expire?
Every Nebraska ALF license expires on April 30 each year, so every facility on the current roster is licensed through April 30, 2027 unless DHHS acts sooner.
DHHS sends renewal notices at least 30 days before expiration.
What does a Nebraska ALF license cost?
The annual fee is $950 for 1 to 10 beds, $1,450 for 11 to 20, $1,650 for 21 to 50 and $1,950 for 51 or more beds (175 NAC 4-004.09).
A duplicate license costs $10.
Does a new owner need a new license?
Yes. A Nebraska ALF license covers one licensee at one premises and ends on a sale, lease or move; the licensee must notify DHHS in writing ten days before the change.
If the building stays the same, a change of ownership does not require a new inspection.
How often are Omaha ALFs inspected?
There is no fixed cycle after the first license: DHHS may inspect up to 25% of ALFs at random each year and inspects when triggered by complaints, serious incidents, ownership or service changes, or five years without an inspection.
Inspections after licensure are unannounced.
What training does an ALF administrator need in Nebraska?
At least 30 hours of initial training in resident care, social services, financial management, administration, gerontology and ALF rules, placement on the DHHS registry within six months, and 12 hours of ongoing training each year.
Licensed nursing home administrators and hospital administrators are exempt from the initial training.
How much training do Nebraska ALF caregivers get?
Every direct care staff member must have orientation within two weeks of hire and at least 12 hours of ongoing training a year, including the special needs of the residents served (175 NAC 4-006.03B).
Facilities must also check each unlicensed direct care worker against the nurse aide, APS, child abuse and sex offender registries.
Can an ALF be accredited instead of inspected?
Nebraska may deem an ALF in compliance with its operating standards based on accreditation from a recognized body whose standards are at least as stringent as the state's, but the facility still holds a DHHS license.
Ask a facility whether it relies on deemed status.
Is an independent living building licensed in Nebraska?
Usually not: a building where competent residents arrange their own services, and no more than 25% of residents receive them, falls outside the ALF definition in 175 NAC 4-002.
Ask whether care is provided by the building or by an outside agency the resident hires.
