summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
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 licensure; authorizing a facility that served memory care residents without a memory care services license prior to 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 lack of such license; 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 a new licensing requirement for assisted living facilities (ALFs) that provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, referred to as "memory care residents." The bill 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. Facilities that serve memory care residents or advertise memory care services must obtain a "memory care services license," with an exception for those solely offering general supportive services to all residents. To get this license, ALFs must already hold a standard ALF license and meet additional requirements to be established by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) through new rules by October 1, 2026. These rules will cover policies, admission criteria, minimum care standards, staff training, safety measures, physical plant requirements, and contract specifics for memory care. Facilities licensed after these rules take effect must obtain the memory care license to provide these services, while existing facilities must obtain it upon their next license renewal. However, facilities that were already serving memory care residents before the new rules were adopted can continue to do so without the license if they demonstrate an inability to obtain it, notify residents and caregivers, assist with relocation if needed, and stop accepting new memory care residents without the license; if a resident chooses to stay, their contract must be amended to detail the services provided, and records of these services must be maintained and provided upon request. Additionally, two existing statutes related to Alzheimer's care and disclosures will be repealed once the new rules for memory care services licenses are adopted.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee (House)
Last Action
Added to Second Reading Calendar (on 02/25/2026)
Official Document
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