New Washington law adds certification requirement for dementia care

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson enacted Senate Bill 5337, mandating certification for assisted living facilities that care for dementia patients by July 1, 2026. The law seeks to improve health and safety standards, requiring facilities to maintain staff onsite 24 hours daily and ensure employees receive at least six hours of continuing education annually. A publicly available list of certified facilities will be maintained by the Department of Social and Health Services, which will also conduct regular inspections. Cathy MacCaul of AARP emphasized the bill's role in establishing a baseline for memory care consistency. An informal study from 2021 revealed significant variability in dementia care services across Washington's 237 assisted living facilities.

The legislation responds to demographic trends, with older adults projected to outnumber children under 18 by 2034. This shift underscores the need for enhanced consumer protection and awareness in elder care. The bill reflects a proactive approach to addressing the growing needs of the aging population.