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WashingtonSB 53372025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Creating a certification for memory care services.

Sponsored By: Member 14205

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Certification and penalties for memory care

Beginning July 1, 2026, a facility must be state‑certified to run a memory care unit. The department can refuse, limit, or revoke licenses, stop new admissions, and fine up to $10,000 for running unlicensed or uncertified memory care or restricted‑egress units. Using memory care terms without certification is treated as an unfair or deceptive act under state consumer law.

More transparency when choosing memory care

The state keeps a public list of certified memory care sites. Each certified site must post its current certificate at the main entrance. Certified units must disclose overnight awake staffing and regular direct‑care staff per bed, and tell residents or representatives about significant staffing changes within 30 days.

Stronger care standards in memory units

To be certified, a site needs a current assisted living license and no recent serious enforcement problems. Certified units must have dementia‑ready buildings, elopement prevention, and safe outdoor areas. They must have awake staff 24/7, with at least one awake staff in each building or cottage. Staff provide cueing and help with eating and drinking; the law does not require tube feeding or IV nutrition. Facilities must offer daily activities, assess each resident at least twice a year, have plans for wandering or missing residents, and include dementia needs in disaster plans.

Fees and applications for providers

Facilities that seek memory care certification must apply, pay an initial fee and yearly fees set to cover program costs, and give required information. When ownership changes, the new owner must apply for memory care certification with the license application. During regular inspections, the department reviews whether certified units still meet certification rules.

Phase-in rules and building exceptions

The department writes rollout rules and may allow conditional exemptions for sites that operated before July 1, 2026 to avoid moving residents or stopping services. For buildings built or first licensed before July 1, 2025, if outdoor space is on another floor, the department may approve an indoor viewing area. It must be a community space (not a hallway or dining room) and have wheelchair‑height windows with an open view.

Dementia training every year for workers

Long‑term care workers who directly help memory care residents must complete at least six hours of dementia training each year. These hours can count toward other required training under state law.

Where dementia care can be offered

The law lists dementia care as an optional health support service that assisted living facilities may choose to provide. If a site is certified as memory care, dementia care is handled under the new certification rules for that site.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Member 14205

    House

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 4

House vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 92 • No: 4 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor signed.

    4/30/2025legislature

  2. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/30/2025Senate

  3. Chapter 187, 2025 Laws.

    4/30/2025Senate

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 92; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/14/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/11/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  11. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/8/2025Senate

  12. APP - Majority; do pass.

    4/8/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Appropriations.

    4/2/2025Senate

  14. HCW - Majority; do pass.

    4/1/2025Senate

  15. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/1/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

    3/13/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/11/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/11/2025Senate

  19. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/11/2025Senate

  20. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    3/11/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2025Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/28/2025Senate

  23. WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/28/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Ways & Means.

    2/14/2025Senate

  25. HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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