New Washington law adds certification requirement for dementia care

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5337, requiring assisted living facilities to secure certification by July 1, 2026, to care for dementia patients. This law is designed to enhance health and safety standards, ensure adequate training for staff, and provide transparency for families. Facilities must maintain 24-hour onsite staff and offer employees a minimum of six hours of continuing education. The Department of Social and Health Services will oversee the certification process, conduct regular inspections, and impose penalties for non-compliance. Advocacy director Cathy MacCaul highlighted the importance of establishing consistent definitions for memory care services, which currently vary among the 237 assisted living facilities in Washington.

The legislation is modeled after Medicaid definitions to ensure uniformity in care standards. With projections indicating that older adults could outnumber children under 18 for the first time by 2034, MacCaul stressed the need for improved consumer protections and awareness. This initiative reflects a broader shift in addressing the challenges posed by an aging population.