SPECIAL TOWN HALL: THE FACTS ABOUT ARGENTUM’S STANDARDS INITIATIVE
James Balda President and CEO Argentum
Jerald Jacobs Partner Pillsbury Law Firm
Standards – Common Trade Association Activity ▪ Ongoing for centuries ▪ Tens of thousands published ▪ Address quality, safety, efficiency, etc. ▪ Recognized by courts and legislatures
Far Preferable to Government Requirements ▪ By senior living and for senior living ▪ Voluntary ▪ Focused on specific needs ▪ Easily changed or updated
Why Government Requirements are Less Preferable ▪ Always mandatory, not voluntary ▪ Developed by bureaucrats, not industry experts ▪ Overly influenced by consumer advocates ▪ Slow/difficult to change or update
Will Standards Trigger Government Regulations? ▪ The opposite is more likely at federal level ▪ Only a small number of standards become law/regulations ▪ The whole point is to defer government requirements ▪ Could help harmonize current varying state regulation
Effects on Reputations of Senior Living Communities ▪ Adopting standards shows commitment to safety, etc. ▪ Can be used for marketing/promotion ▪ Using ANSI procedures adds credibility ▪ Might someday be a basis for accreditation