Bill > SB5337

This bill creates a new certification process for memory care services in Washington state, establishing clear standards for assisted living facilities that market themselves as providing specialized care for individuals with dementia. The legislation requires facilities using the terms "memory care" or offering services for residents with cognitive impairments to obtain certification from the Department of Social and Health Services by July 1, 2026. Certified facilities must meet specific requirements, including having appropriate infrastructure to prevent residents from wandering, maintaining adequate staffing levels with 24-hour awake staff, providing personalized daily activities, offering accessible outdoor spaces, and ensuring staff receive at least six hours of annual continuing education related to dementia care. The bill defines dementia as an irreversible cognitive decline that significantly interferes with daily functioning and can result from various conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the legislation mandates that certified memory care facilities disclose detailed information about their staffing and services, and requires their disaster preparedness plans to specifically address the unique needs of residents with dementia. The goal is to create more transparency and standardization in memory care services, helping consumers make more informed choices about care for loved ones with cognitive impairments.