healthcare worker holding the hand of a man wearing a bathrobe

A bill that would impose staffing ratios, additional staff training and new financial reporting requirements for Georgia assisted living communities quickly sailed through the House of Representatives. The measure now heads to the Senate.

It also would require operators to prove their financial stability. Those on the brink of bankruptcy would be required to give residents two months’ notice.

The proposed legislation is sponsored by Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta). It affects assisted living communities and personal care homes with more than 25 beds and memory care units.

“The assisted living industry is too important to Georgia families to risk losing the public’s trust,” Cooper said.

Violators could face civil monetary fines of up to $2,000 per day with a $4,000  maximum cap. A facility would have to pay a minimum of $5,000 in cases where death or serious injury occurred, however.

The measure follows unflattering reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution alleging numerous cases of neglect and abuse.

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