The Assisted Living Federation of America is implementing substantial changes, including a new name, board chairwoman Brenda J. Bacon announced in a letter Tuesday.

Long-time CEO Richard P. Grimes will not spearhead these initiatives, as he recently announced his retirement.

The plans are based on “principles set out” by the One Voice task force, which unsuccessfully worked to merge ALFA and the American Seniors Housing Association, according to Bacon.

Other new initiatives include building more robust state-level advocacy, recommending worker credentialing and certification guidelines and establishing accountability standards. The work is meant to build public confidence and better represent all members, which now go beyond assisted living operators to include dementia care, independent living and other types of senior housing, Bacon noted.

The “new ALFA” also includes seven members that joined in the last three weeks, including Sunrise Senior Living and Merrill Gardens, the letter stated.

The ALFA board decided to move ahead with these plans at a meeting May 19, during the association’s annual conference in Phoenix, AZ.

Click here to access the complete letter.