Nursing homes inspections almost caught up, but unlicensed assisted living poses new challenge
February 9, 2026
“We’re really focused on, first and foremost, increasing the number of licensed assisted living programs to safely serve Maryland residents,” Sullivan told lawmakers. “We are improving interagency coordination to streamline processes, respond to needs of residents … and working holistically across the government to address the broader issue of ensuring adequate numbers of safe, affordable facilities and services for Maryland’s aging populations.”
Advocates for the state’s seniors worried that some of Maryland’s most vulnerable population may not be receiving adequate care, especially in unlicensed facilities.
But Danna Kauffman, speaking for Lifespan Network, a senior care provider association, told lawmakers that there is a “senior housing crisis” in Maryland. Affordable care needs to be part of any discussions on unlicensed assisted living facilities, she said.
“We are very concerned about … making sure that the state has enough providers to provide the care that is needed in the community,” she said. “We do not have enough senior housing options, especially for low-income.
“It’s hard to say this, but it’s true – just because you are unlicensed doesn’t mean you are providing bad care,” Kauffman said.
“Some people just don’t know that they need to be licensed because they are caring for two or three people, that they had referrals from their church, or their community or friends,” she said. “We need to work with those folks.”