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Bill seeks statewide certification for memory-care units; families and advocates urge standards
Summary
Senate Bill 5337 would require assisted living memory-care units to obtain certification and meet building, staffing and training requirements; advocates called for transparency and oversight while providers urged careful implementation to avoid displacing residents or duplicating rules.
Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee members heard testimony Jan. 28 on Senate Bill 5337, sponsored by Vice Chair Senator Orwell, which would create a certification requirement for memory-care facilities or units in Washington after July 1, 2026.
Committee staff explained that the bill requires memory-care units to be certified and listed on a DSHS registry, and DSHS must adopt rules governing how existing facilities transition during certification. The certification would require proof of a valid DSHS contract to provide dementia care services or a valid assisted living license and additional building and staffing requirements described…
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