Assembly Bill 984 establishes new requirements for community-based residential facilities (CBRFs) that wish to use the "memory care" designation in their name, advertising, or communications. Effective July 1, 2027, CBRFs can only use this designation if they serve individuals with irreversible dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. The bill mandates that both the administrator and resident care staff of these facilities receive specific training as part of their initial training and annual continuing education. This training must cover topics such as an introduction to dementia, person-centered care, effective communication, behavioral interventions, and supporting independence and quality of life for residents.

Additionally, the bill creates a definition for "client group" within the statutes, which includes individuals with various disabilities and conditions, including irreversible dementia. CBRFs that currently provide memory care services must comply with these new requirements by the specified date to continue using the memory care designation. The bill aims to ensure that facilities offering memory care services are adequately trained to meet the needs of their residents.