New law requires screening for applicants for assisted living services

If you plan to move into an assisted living facility in Minnesota, starting this weekend you'll have to make a phone call first.

A new state law goes into effect Saturday that requires anyone who wishes to move into an assisted living facility have a telephone consultation with a trained nurse or social worker.

The applicant will be asked a series of 'screening' questions before being allowed to go to an assisted living facility.

The program is expected to save the state nearly $4 million over the next two years, but it's also raised accusations of 'government overreach' from the elder-care industry.

Here to explain how the law and screenings will work is Krista Boston, who directs consumer assistance programs for the Minnesota Board on Aging.