LARA Licensing: The 10 Most Missed Details (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting or maintaining an Adult Foster Care (AFC) or Home for the Aged (HFA) facility in Michigan means more than just providing excellent care—it means staying in full compliance with the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requirements.

Unfortunately, many providers miss small but critical details that can delay approval, trigger citations, or even risk losing licensure.

Below, we’ve outlined the 10 most commonly overlooked items—and how you can avoid them.

1. Missing Health Care Appraisals

Every new resident must have a completed health care appraisal at admission, and it must be updated annually. Even one missing or outdated appraisal can result in a citation.

2. Incomplete Assessment Plans

Assessment plans must reflect the resident’s current needs and be signed by the licensee, resident (or representative), and staff. Providers often forget to update them after a change in condition.

3. Resident Rights Documentation

Each resident must receive, review, and sign off on the Resident Rights statement. Facilities sometimes skip this step during admission or forget to keep the signed copy on file.

4. Inconsistent Fire Drill Records

LARA requires drills to be conducted and documented at varied times and shifts. Many facilities only run drills during the day, which doesn’t meet the standard.

5. Expired Staff Training & Certifications

First aid, CPR, and annual training hours are non-negotiable. Keep a master log with expiration dates to avoid last-minute scrambles.

6. Missing TB Tests in Staff Files

Every staff member must have an up-to-date TB test result. This is one of the most frequently missed pieces in personnel files.

7. Medication Administration Errors

LARA checks Medication Administration Records (MARs) closely. Common errors include missing initials, skipped signatures, or failing to document PRN medications.

8. Unapproved Home Modifications

Even minor changes (like moving a door or adding a lock) can create compliance issues if not reported to and approved by LARA. Always check before modifying your home.

9. Incomplete Incident/Accident Reports

Every incident must be documented, investigated, and signed by the administrator. Skipping signatures or failing to follow up is a red flag.

10. Lack of Updated Policies and Procedures

Policies can’t just sit in a binder. They must be current, accessible to staff, and consistently followed. LARA will compare what’s written to what’s practiced.

How to Stay Ahead of Citations

• Create checklists for resident files, staff files, and policies.

• Use reminder systems (digital or paper) to track expiration dates.

• Conduct internal audits every quarter.

• Train staff on documentation standards regularly.

At Roseberri, we specialize in helping AFC and HFA providers stay audit-ready, compliant, and confident in their operations. Contact us today for a free consultation.