An assisted living center is a residential living and medical care facility for people who may need help with daily needs such as bathing, grooming, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and food preparation—and who may need some medical care or assistance with medication management—but not the degree of medical care provided by a nursing home. Assisted living centers are designed for senior citizens who are no longer capable of living alone but who want to enjoy some independence and the social aspects of group dining, activities, and outings to local places and events.

In Minnesota, assisted living facilities are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). These facilities provide housing, health care, and supportive services to adults who need assistance with daily living activities but do not require the level of care provided by nursing homes. The state has specific statutes and rules that govern the licensing, operation, and oversight of assisted living facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. These regulations cover a range of areas including staffing requirements, resident rights, medication management, and the provision of services. Assisted living facilities in Minnesota must be licensed as Assisted Living Facilities or Assisted Living Facilities with Dementia Care, depending on the services offered. Additionally, Minnesota has a Bill of Rights for residents of assisted living facilities, which outlines the rights and protections afforded to them. It's important for assisted living facilities to comply with these regulations to operate legally in the state.