Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards
The Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards are used by the Government of Alberta to monitor accommodations and accommodation services in long-term care facilities, sometimes referred to as nursing homes or auxiliary hospitals.
The standards are designed to support a safe and comfortable environment for Albertans in long-term care facilities by promoting their safety, security and quality of life. The standards are mandatory for all long-term care facilities in the province. A separate but similar set of 
accommodation standards apply to supportive living facilities for four or more people.
- Background
- Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards
- Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards booklet
- Other Standards and Legislation
- Contact Us
The accommodation standards were introduced in May 2006 and began to be enforced in April 2007. Alberta Seniors and Community Supports is the provincial government department responsible for maintaining and enforcing the accommodation standards.
The accommodation standards are categorized into eight broad themes, with a set of detailed standards in each theme.
The accommodation standards were developed based on recommendations by the MLA Task Force on Continuing Care Health Service and Accommodation Standards, a report by the Auditor General and input from a variety of stakeholders, including Albertans and their families receiving continuing care services, the 
Alberta Senior Citizens' Housing Association, Alberta Continuing Care Association, public, private and voluntary supportive living and long-term care operators, regional health authorities, dietitians, seniors' lodge surveyors and Alberta Health and Wellness.
Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards
The accommodation standards are categorized into eight broad themes, which each have a set of detailed standards:
- Standard 1: Fire Regulations
- Standard 2: Maintenance of Real Property
- Standard 3: Heating and Ventilation Systems
- Standard 4: Pleasant and Comfortable Environment
- Standard 5: Food Handling Hygiene
- Standard 6: Food Preparation, Cleaning and Sanitation
- Standard 7: Control of Food Storage and Handling
- Standard 8: Permits and Licenses
- Standard 9: Menu Planning and Review
- Standard 10: Meal Scheduling
- Standard 11: Meal Service
- Standard 12: Texture-Modified Diets
- Standard 13: Housekeeping Services
- Standard 14: Laundry and Linen Services
- Standard 15: Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Standard 16: Prevention of Abuse
- Standard 17: Resident Safety
- Standard 18: Water Temperature Safety
- Standard 19: Personal Laundry
- Standard 20: Personal Choice Services
- Standard 21: Non-Emergency Transportation
- Standard 22: Social, Leisure and Spiritual Opportunities
Coordination and Referral Services
- Standard 24: Residential Application, Orientation, Exit Process, and Residential Services Contract Management
- Standard 25: Trust Accounts
- Standard 26: Resident Property
- Standard 27: Employment, Workplace Health and Safety Standards
- Standard 28: Involvement in Residents' Personal Affairs
- Standard 29: Screening Employees, Volunteers and Service Providers
- Standard 30: Corporate Status
- Standard 31: Insurance
- Standard 32: Information Management
- Standard 33: Contract Administration
Other Standards and Legislation
Other standards that also apply to long-term care facilities include:
- Continuing Care Health Service Standards - apply only to publicly funded health care and personal support services provided by or funded through a contract with a regional health authority. The standards are the responsibility of Alberta Health and Wellness.
Long-term care facilities must also comply with a variety of municipal, provincial and federal legislation. The accommodation standards require long-term care operators to comply with all applicable legislation and regulation, including:
Statutes and Regulations of Alberta
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act
- Hairstylists Trade Regulation
Dependant Adults Act
Emergency Medical Aid Act
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Regulation
Health Facilities Review Committee Act
Health Information Act
- Health Information Regulation
Health Professions Act
- Disclosure of Information Regulation
Hospitals Act
- Hospitalization Benefits Regulation
Nursing Homes Act
- Nursing Homes General Regulation
- Nursing Homes Operation Regulation
Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
Personal Information Protection Act
- Personal Information Protection Regulation
Pharmacy and Drug Act
Powers of Attorney Act
Protection for Persons in Care Act
- Protection for Persons in Care Regulation
Public Health Act
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living and Extended Health Benefits Regulation
- Communicable Diseases Regulation
- Co-ordinated Home Care Program Regulation
- Food and Food Establishment Regulation
- Institutions Regulation
- Housing Regulation
- Personal Services Regulation
- Swimming Pool Regulation
Public Trustee Act
- Public Trustee Regulation / Public Trustee General Regulation
Regional Health Authorities Act
Safety Codes Act
- Building Code Regulation
- Elevating Devices Codes Regulation
- Elevating Devises, Passenger Ropeways and Amusement Rides Permit Regulation
- Fire Code Regulation
Traffic Safety Act
Trustee Act
Codes, Other Legislation and Regulations
Alberta Building Code
Alberta Fire Code
Canadian Food Inspection System
Employment Standards Code
Health Canada Food and Food Regulation (Federal)
Labour Relations Code
Minimum Housing and Health Standards (Alberta Health and Wellness)
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Federal)
