The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) is funding research projects on assisted living to help mold federal policy for the industry, according to the Healthcare Review.

The federal arm expects to release two reports in November 2004: “Negotiated Risk Agreements in Assisted Living” and “State Residential and Assisted Living Policy Compendium.”

ASPE published two reports at the end of 2003. “Using Medicaid to Cover Services for the Elderly in Residential Care Settings” took stock of statewide policies and Medicaid funding for assisted living. “Trends in Residential Long-Term Care: Use of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Characteristics of Facilities and Residents” analyzed differences between seniors living in community-based settings and those living in institutional settings.