summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to memory care; amending s. 429.02, F.S.; defining terms; amending s. 429.07, F.S.; requiring licenses for assisted living facilities that provide memory care services; making technical changes; creating s. 429.076, F.S.; requiring an assisted living facility that serves memory care residents or holds itself out as providing memory care services to obtain a memory care services license; providing an exception; requiring an assisted living facility to maintain certain licensure and meet certain requirements in order to obtain a memory care services license; requiring the Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt rules governing memory care services licenses by a specified date; specifying requirements for such rules; requiring an assisted living facility licensed on or after the effective date of such rules to obtain a memory care services license to carry out certain functions; requiring an assisted living facility licensed before the effective date of such rules to obtain a memory care services license at the time such facility renews its license; authorizing a facility that served memory care residents without a memory care services license before a specified date to continue to do so if certain requirements are met; requiring a facility without a memory care services license to meet specified requirements if a memory care resident decides to remain at the facility despite the absence of such license; creating s. 430.71, F.S.; providing the purpose of the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; defining terms; creating the center within the Department of Elderly Affairs; authorizing the center to contract for services; providing duties of the center; requiring the center to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date; specifying requirements for the report; requiring the center to work with specified agencies, committees, initiatives, clinics, task forces, and other entities to ensure the full use of the state’s infrastructure; specifying eligibility requirements for services; authorizing the center to provide assistance to qualified persons, subject to the availability of funds and resources; repealing ss. 429.177 and 429.178, F.S., relating to patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other related disorders and certain disclosures and special care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other related disorders, respectively, upon the adoption of certain rules; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new regulations for assisted living facilities (ALFs) that provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, referred to as "memory care residents." It defines "memory care resident" as someone with Alzheimer's or dementia residing in an ALF that claims to offer specialized care for their condition, and "memory care services" as the specific, focused care provided for these conditions, distinct from general supportive services offered to all residents. ALFs that serve memory care residents or advertise such services must obtain a "memory care services license" from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), with specific rules for this license to be adopted by October 1, 2026, covering policies, admission criteria, care standards, staff training, safety, physical plant requirements, and contracts. Facilities licensed after the rules take effect must immediately obtain this license, while those licensed before must get it upon license renewal, though exceptions exist for facilities serving existing memory care residents without the license if they meet certain notification and assistance requirements. The bill also creates the Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence within the Department of Elderly Affairs to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers by connecting them with resources, providing education, and tracking outcomes, with the goal of enabling aging in place and improving caregiver well-being. Finally, it repeals existing statutes related to Alzheimer's patients and disclosures upon the adoption of the new memory care services rules.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Health Policy (Senate)
Last Action
CS/CS by- Fiscal Policy; YEAS 18 NAYS 0 (on 02/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404 |
| Analysis - Fiscal Policy (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/Analyses/2026s01404.pre.fp.PDF |
| Analysis - Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/Analyses/2026s01404.ahs.PDF |
| Analysis - Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/Analyses/2026s01404.pre.ahs.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/BillText/c1/HTML |
| Analysis - Health Policy (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/Analyses/2026s01404.hp.PDF |
| Analysis - Health Policy (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/Analyses/2026s01404.pre.hp.PDF |
| https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/Amendment/537686/HTML | |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1404/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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