How Minnesota’s Assisted Living Regulations Impact Facility Design (And How to Stay Ahead)

Aug 27
3 min read

Updated: Sep 1

Since August 1, 2021, under Minnesota Statute 144G.10, no Assisted Living Facility (ALF) may operate in the state without a license. This law was a turning point for healthcare entrepreneurs and facility owners: it unified oversight under the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) while tying compliance closely to the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and state building codes.

For facility owners, this means design and licensing are inseparable. Every floor plan, window, corridor, and fire system must be built with compliance in mind. At R2 Studios Architecture, we’ve seen how these regulations directly shape the design process—and how a proactive approach can save clients weeks of delays and thousands of dollars.

1. DLI Requirements: The Foundation of Facility Design

The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) enforces Minnesota’s adoption of the International Building Code (IBC) and Residential Code (IRC). For smaller residential assisted living facilities (≤5 beds), ALFs often fall under R-3 Occupancy Classification, while larger ones require Group I-1 (Institutional) standards.

Key design implications:

Ceiling Height: Minimum 7’-0” (2134 mm). Anything lower may trigger rejection.
Egress Windows: Must meet strict dimensions: 5.7 sq ft clear opening (5.0 sq ft on grade), sill height max 44”.
Corridors & Doors: Corridors at least 36” wide, doors 32” clear width.
Bathrooms: Accessible layouts with roll-in showers (30”x60”), 60” clearance at toilets, grab bars required.

👉 Impact on owners: Even a single non-compliant doorway or window can cause licensing delays.

2. MDH Requirements: Safety and Health First

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) oversees life-safety systems and resident well-being. Compliance is about more than walls and windows—it’s about proving your facility is safe for vulnerable populations.

Key MDH compliance items:

Smoke Detectors: Inside and outside every sleeping area, interconnected per NFPA 72.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Outside each sleeping area if fuel-burning appliances are present.
Fire Extinguishers: At least every 75 ft, minimum classification 2A:10B:C.
Emergency Evacuation Plan: Required at time of license application.

👉 Impact on owners: Facilities without pre-approved evacuation plans or complete fire safety layouts risk immediate rejection.

3. Licensing Categories: Standard vs. Dementia Care

Under Minnesota Statute 144G, there are two main categories of licensure:

Assisted Living Facility (ALF): Provides assisted living services only.
Assisted Living Facility with Dementia Care (ALFDC): Provides dementia care services, often in a secured unit.

Design Implications for Dementia Care Units:

Secured egress systems.
Specialized layouts for memory care safety.
Additional staffing and circulation requirements.

👉 Impact on owners: Planning for dementia care from the beginning avoids costly retrofits later.

4. The “Protected Title” Rule (2026)

Starting January 1, 2026, only licensed ALFs may use the phrase “assisted living” in their name, marketing, or advertising. Facilities not in compliance risk penalties and reputational damage.

👉 Impact on owners: Marketing strategies must align with compliance—an unlicensed operation cannot present itself as “assisted living.”

5. How R2 Studios Helps You Stay Ahead

Navigating Minnesota’s regulatory landscape can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Our team at R2 Studios:

Provides architect-stamped plans within 5 business days.
Designs facilities to meet both DLI and MDH requirements from the start.
Delivers pre-inspection punch lists to avoid rework.
Guides clients through submission-ready packages so applications aren’t delayed by missing documentation.

By addressing compliance at the design stage, our clients save an average of $13,600 per project and open facilities weeks earlier than competitors who face rejection and re-reviews.

Vista de una instalación de asistencia residencial con un ambiente acogedor

Conclusion

Minnesota’s regulations aren’t obstacles—they’re the framework for safe, compliant, and profitable facilities. By designing with DLI and MDH standards in mind, owners not only secure their licenses faster but also build trust with residents and their families.

At R2 Studios Architecture, we bridge the gap between regulation and design, ensuring every project is inspection-ready from day one.