A Win for Assisted Living: HB25-1213 Eases Burdens of FGI Compliance in Colorado
At Pinkowski Law, we are proud to support legislative changes that improve the regulatory environment for assisted living residences across Colorado. One of the most significant updates came last week when Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 25-1213 into law.
Among its provisions, Section 2 of HB25-1213 creates a critical exemption from the often burdensome Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) standards and review process—an issue that has impacted providers’ ability to adapt and grow efficiently.
What the Law Now Says
Effective with the passage of this bill, assisted living residences in Colorado are no longer required to comply with FGI guidelines unless they are engaging in new construction or major renovations. The statute defines “major renovations” narrowly to include:
Additions to a building’s structure
Changes that affect the structural integrity of the building
The law explicitly excludes from the “major renovations” definition:
Functional changes to a space that do not involve construction or a revised floor plan
Adding beds to accommodate more residents, if no construction is completed and the floor plan of the building remains the same
Upgrades to HVAC, electrical, or similar systems, provided construction is not required
ALRs must still comply with fire safety requirements, local building codes, and all other state standards for assisted living facilities.
Why This Matters
This legislative change gives providers greater flexibility to meet resident demand without triggering expensive and unnecessary architectural compliance reviews. It also aligns more realistically with how assisted living residences operate—many of which are converted homes or small facilities looking to scale modestly.
For providers, this means:
More capacity with less red tape
Cost savings on compliance design and architecture
Faster timelines for accommodating new residents
More efficient use of existing residential space
By easing regulatory barriers for providers who serve Medicaid and PACE participants, this change helps create more affordable assisted living options for Colorado’s older adults who need them most.
Need Guidance on Applying the New Law?
If you’re an assisted living provider exploring how to expand your licensed capacity under the new legal framework, we can help.
Pinkowski Law has worked closely with the Colorado Assisted Living Association and state policymakers to make this change possible. We understand the law, the policy intent, and how to apply it in real-world scenarios.
Contact us today to discuss how HB25-1213 can benefit your residence or expansion plans.