MontgomeryCountyMD.GOV

A Group Home for the Elderlyis a residential, community-based residential program for three to 16 unrelated individuals that provides housing, personalized and supportive services, and health-related services to meet the needs of residents who are unable to perform or need assistance or guidance performing activities of daily living. Services are provided in a manner that promotes optimal dignity and independence.

Any person or entity planning to operate a group home for the elderly in Montgomery County for three to 16 unrelated individuals.

Download the PDF Group Home New Application packet or fill the New Group Home Application Form online. Renewal Group Home Application links will be sent by email three months prior to the license expiration date.

$60.00 per bed licensure fee.

NOTE: Renewal-only applicants may eliminate the Use and Occupancy permit if they have not made changes to the residential structure of the facility or changed the bed count.

1. A Use and Occupancy Permit- if new construction, change in use or number of occupants is more than nine (Cha pter 23 A-9(a) (Department of Permitting Services 240-777-0311)

2. Complaint procedures, which includes information required by Montgomery County Code Chapter 23A. (required format is in the group home packet. The State's resident agreement form cannot be substituted for the County procedures).

a. Has Complaint Procedure Information Sheet formatted with the group home’s name and address as well as provider’s name and contact telephone number.

b. How resident complaints will be addressed.

c. The name(s) of staff authorized to receive complaints.

d. The time frame for the licensee to investigate complaints (no longer than 30 days).

e. How the licensee will inform the complainant of the investigation results.

f. How the licensee will attempt to resolve complaints.

g. Lists the County and State licensure agencies, phone numbers and addresses to contact if complaints are not resolved satisfactorily, including Licensure and Regulatory Services.

h. Any complaint that has not been resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction should be forwarded in writing to Licensure and Regulatory Services.

3. Accurate fee per number of beds.

4. Program Statement which includes-Chapter 23A-9 (d):

a. The program purpose, goals,and objectives;

b. The means to accomplish the goals and objectives;

c. The needs and capabilities of the population served;

d. The proposed budget, resources and procedures to meet those needs;

e. The proposed operating methods and procedures for medication management, transportation, social and recreational services, 24 hour supervision, personal care services and food service;

f. Client admission and retention criteria;

g. Qualifications and experience of the applicant and the personnel operating the group home.

5. A copy of the State Assisted Living license.

6. A completed Emergency Contact form.

7. Fire Permit for the number of beds.

A Group Home for the Elderly must receive ALL the following approvals and documents before a Montgomery County Group Home License will be issued:

1. A complete Montgomery County Group Home License application with fee attached.

2. A fire approval form dated and signed by the fire marshal and indicating the number of approved resident beds.

3. An environmental approval form dated and signed by the environmental inspector and indicating the number of approved resident beds.

4. For group homes with a well or septic system, a copy of payment to the Montgomery County Well & Septic, Department of Permitting Services or a detailed lab report from a private company also indicating number of beds the system will handle and details about the septic system (Contact Well & Septic at 240-777-0311 to make an appointment).

5. A Use & Occupancy Permit if the group home has nine or more occupants residing in the home.

6. A copy of a current State Group Home for the Elderly license.

Obtaining a State License:

Call the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Health Care Quality, at 410-402-8217 to request application instructions and forms or visit the MDDOH online.

A person may not operate an Assisted Living Program in the State of Maryland for one or more residents without obtaining a State license.

Mail the original State Assisted Living documentation and application to:

Maryland Department of Health
Office of Health Care Quality
Bland Bryant Building-Spring Grove Hospital Center
55 Wade Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228

Renewing a Montgomery County License for a Group Home for the Elderly:

A Montgomery County Group Home license is renewed annually. Fire, environmental, and well & septic inspections and approvals are also required annually. Renewal applications are sent to the provider three months prior to the license expiration date and are due 60 days before the license expires.

PLEASE NOTE: Re ceipt of an approval from any of the departments listed above does not indicate license approval. A facility is licensed once it receives both State and County licenses.