FL H1295

Assisted living facilities serving residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia must obtain a new "memory care services license" to provide specialized dementia care or advertise such services.

The Agency for Health Care Administration must adopt rules by October 1, 2026 establishing minimum standards for memory care licenses, including admission criteria, staff training requirements, safety standards (such as 24-hour awake staff), and physical plant requirements.

Facilities licensed before the rules take effect must obtain the memory care license at their next renewal; newly licensed facilities must obtain it before serving memory care residents.

Facilities unable to obtain the license may continue serving existing memory care residents if they notify residents of the option to relocate, assist with finding alternate facilities, and stop accepting new memory care residents.

Repeals existing statutes (ss. 429.177 and 429.178) relating to Alzheimer's patient disclosures and special care upon adoption of the new rules.