Associated Press - July 17, 2009 1:14 PM ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A second assisted living center has announced plans to change its status so that it can operate without a license and inspections by Iowa regulators.

Operators of the Jefferson Point Assisted Living Center in North Liberty would run the facility as an apartment complex. Residents who need medical assistance will be able to stay in the building and pay for 24-hour health care.

Earlier this month, Dubuque Retirement Community, the largest assisted living center in Iowa, announced plans to change its status.

According to state officials, the Dubuque home and Jefferson Point have had problems meeting minimum care standards. Both have been fined.

Ann Martin of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is call the assisted living centers' actions legal but unprecedented. She said there will be no oversight of the centers' care of their residents.

Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com

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