Colorado

Residential assisted living licensing rules and official state resources

Licensure term: Assisted Living Residence
Resident capacity: No max however regulations increase at 17 and 20.
Staff ratios: Sufficient staff must be employed to deliver services required by residents. Requirements for awake staff vary by facility size: for 16 or fewer residents, staff must be available in the facility; 16-100 residents, at least one awake staff; 101-200 residents, one on call and one awake, with an additional awake staff for each additional 100 residents.
Cost of licensing: 3-8 Beds $6,000
Bedroom square footage: Bathroom areas and closets shall not be included in the determination of square footage.
Memory care: An assisted living residence may choose to provide a secured environment, where free egress is prohibited. Typically done for residents with memory care needs.

Full requirements

Regulatory Agency: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Contact Phone Number: 303-692-2800
Licensure Term(s): Assisted Living Residence
Census Requirements: No max however regulations increase at 17 and 20.
Qualifications for Managers: 21 years old. Any person commencing service as an administrator July 1, 1993, shall meet the minimum education, training, and experience requirements in one of the following ways: (A) successful completion of a program approved by the Department pursuant to Section 1.103 (6); or (B) documented previous job related experience or related education equivalent to successful completion of such program. The Department may require additional training to ensure that all the required components of the training curriculum are met.
Qualifications for Caregivers: 18 years old At least one person on staff must have the manager qualifications listed above.
Staff Ratios: Sufficient staff must be employed to deliver services required by residents. Requirements for awake staff vary by facility size: for 16 or fewer residents, staff must be available in the facility; 16-100 residents, at least one awake staff; 101-200 residents, one on call and one awake, with an additional awake staff for each additional 100 residents.
Cost of Licensing: 3-8 Beds $6,000 9 or more beds $7,200
Square Footage Requirements: Bathroom areas and closets shall not be included in the determination of square footage. Private Room: At least 100 square feet for single occupancy bedrooms. Semi-private/Shared Room: 60 square feet per person for double occupancy bedrooms.
Bathrooms Required: One full bathroom is required for every six residents.