The bill seeks to improve dementia care in Washington by establishing a certification process for memory care services within assisted living facilities, addressing the current lack of standardized definitions and practices. Starting July 1, 2026, any facility operating a memory care unit will be required to obtain certification from the Department of Social and Health Services. This certification will involve meeting specific criteria, including maintaining a valid license, adequate staffing levels, and ensuring that the physical environment caters to the specialized needs of residents with dementia. The legislation also includes provisions for conditional exemptions for currently operating facilities during the certification application process and imposes penalties for those operating without certification.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions for "memory care services" and "specialized dementia care services," clarifying the status of "nonresident individuals" who may receive certain services without needing licensure as an assisted living facility. It mandates that facilities disclose their scope of care, particularly for those certified as memory care facilities, and outlines the actions the Department of Social and Health Services can take against non-compliant facilities. The legislation emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness plans tailored to the needs of residents with dementia and allows assisted living facilities to care for these residents without certification, provided they do not misrepresent their services. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care for individuals with dementia while ensuring compliance and transparency in assisted living facilities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.20.020, 18.20.190, 18.20.300, 18.20.320, 18.20.525
Substitute Bill: 18.20.020, 18.20.190, 18.20.300, 18.20.320, 18.20.525
Second Substitute: 18.20.020, 18.20.190, 18.20.300, 18.20.320, 18.20.525
Engrossed Second Substitute: 18.20.020, 18.20.190, 18.20.300, 18.20.320, 18.20.525
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.20.020, 18.20.190, 18.20.300, 18.20.320, 18.20.525
Session Law: 18.20.020, 18.20.190, 18.20.300, 18.20.320, 18.20.525