North Carolina's adult care homes are governed by N.C. General Statutes Chapter 131D (Article 1), with G.S. 131D-2.11 establishing DHSR's licensing authority and G.S. 131D-8 covering the Special Care Unit disclosure requirement for memory care units. The implementing regulations are in 10A NCAC 13F (Licensing of Homes for the Aged and Infirm/Adult Care Homes), adopted by the N.C. Medical Care Commission; the full statute text is published at ncleg.gov.
What this means in practice
Some families researching options across the Triangle — whether in Raleigh, Durham, or a smaller Chatham County town like Pittsboro — want to go straight to the source rather than rely on a facility's own marketing summary of 'state requirements.' Chapter 131D is the operative law, and it's worth knowing that the detailed day-to-day operating rules (staffing, physical plant, resident rights, admission and retention criteria) actually live in the administrative rule set, 10A NCAC 13F, not in the statute itself — the statute sets up the licensing framework and DHSR's authority, while the rules fill in the specifics DHSR enforces during inspections. Both documents are publicly available, and referencing the specific section (e.g., G.S. 131D-8 for memory care disclosure) is the most reliable way to confirm a claim a facility or advisor makes about 'what North Carolina requires.'
Related questions
- How do I check if an assisted living community in Cary is actually licensed?
- Does North Carolina license assisted living facilities as Type A, B, or C like some other states?
- What's the difference between a 'family care home' and a regular adult care home in Durham?
- What has to be disclosed if a memory care unit in Wake Forest calls itself a 'Special Care Unit'?
- How do I find inspection reports and violation history for a nursing home in Durham?
- Is the same state agency in charge of licensing both nursing homes and assisted living communities in Raleigh?
- Where do I file a complaint about care quality at an adult care home in Apex?
