Assisted living in District of Columbia: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in District of Columbia, and what to check before you choose.
What District of Columbia calls it
In District of Columbia, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Residence”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
DC Department of Health (DC Health), Intermediate Care Facilities Division is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
The District's Department of Health Care Finance lists Assisted Living Facilities among the services of the Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Waiver. The page does not state eligibility criteria.
Help and complaints
Office of the D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Legal Counsel for the Elderly) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in District of Columbia
Under D.C. Code section 7-703.01, a written rights notice prescribed by the ombudsman must be posted conspicuously near the entrance of a long-term care facility, which includes assisted living residences, and each resident must receive a personal copy.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in District of Columbia?
DC Department of Health (DC Health), Intermediate Care Facilities Division.