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WashingtonSB 53372025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Creating a certification for memory care services.

Sponsored By: Tina Orwall (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

More protections for memory care families

Washington's Department of Social and Health Services must keep a public list of certified memory care facilities and units. Certified facilities must post a current certification document near the main entrance. Required disclosures show overnight awake staffing and regular direct-care staffing per bed; significant staffing changes require notice within 30 days. Service cuts beyond a facility's control require at least 30 days' written notice; voluntary cuts causing discharge require 90 days. Covered assisted living violations count as unfair or deceptive conduct under the state's consumer protection law, allowing applicable consumer remedies. The department can penalize uncertified memory care operations, including units with restricted exits, and suspend or revoke certification. For current or former licensed providers operating uncertified memory care, civil penalties can reach $10,000. Stop-placement orders bar new admissions until violations are corrected and lasting compliance is shown, while allowing department-approved returns from hospitals or nursing homes.

Stronger care standards for memory care residents

Beginning July 1, 2026, Washington memory care facilities and units need state certification, unless covered by specified exclusions or exemptions. Applicants must hold an active assisted living license and meet rules on past safety violations. Certified units must have awake staff 24 hours a day, including at least one in each separate building or cottage. Residents must receive assessments at least every six months. Workers directly serving memory care residents need at least six hours of dementia-related continuing education each year. Units must provide dementia-friendly spaces, private rooms, safe wandering areas, and a secure, accessible outdoor area, subject to older-building exceptions. Care plans must address help with eating and drinking, missing residents, access to dementia specialists, and daily activities matching residents' abilities and preferences. All assisted living facilities must adopt and annually review disaster plans; memory care plans must address residents' dementia-related needs.

Certification flexibility for existing memory care facilities

The department must set application-period operating rules for memory care facilities and units operating before July 1, 2026. It may grant case-by-case conditional exemptions to prevent service disruption or resident displacement; exemptions are not guaranteed. A separate outdoor-area exception applies to buildings constructed or first licensed before July 1, 2025. The outdoor space must be on a different floor from residents' living area. The unit must provide a community viewing area, not a hallway or space used for other purposes, with unobstructed views through wheelchair-accessible windows.

New certification fees for memory care providers

Facilities seeking memory care certification must pay an initial fee and an annual fee. The department sets the amounts to cover the certification program's costs. The law does not specify fee amounts or create a direct household charge.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tina Orwall

    Democratic • Senate

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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