FOX Baltimore: “From felony to flexibility: Md.’s shift on unlicensed assisted living facilities”
February 18, 2026
…Yet almost three years later, Kauffman suggested a more measured approach.
It is hard to say this, but it’s true: Just because you are unlicensed doesn’t mean you are providing bad care,” Kaufmann said. “Some people just don’t know they’re supposed to be licensed because they’re caring for two or three people.”
Rather than urging prosecutors to pursue felony charges, she encouraged lawmakers to “step back” from an enforcement-first posture.
Danna Kauffman, lobbyist for LifeSpan Network, testified on Thursday, February 5, 2026, before the Maryland House Health Committee on nursing and unlicensed assisted living facilities. (Steve Pierce/Spotlight on Maryland)
“What we have heard a lot before is about enforcement, enforcement,” Kauffman said. “I think this enforcement issue also gives us a very good opportunity to step back and get a better understanding of how we got here.”