Memory Care

Added specific legal definitions for 'memory care resident' and 'memory care services' to clarify which facilities and care types are subject to new regulations.

Requires facilities serving memory care residents or advertising such services to obtain a separate 'memory care services license' in addition to their standard license.

Mandates that the Agency for Health Care Administration adopt specific rules for memory care licensing by June 1, 2027, including standards for staff training, safety measures (such as awake staff at all hours), and physical plant requirements.

Repealed previous statutes (ss. 429.177 and 429.178) related to Alzheimer's care disclosures and special care, consolidating requirements into the new licensing framework.

Prohibits facilities without a memory care license from using specific terms like 'memory care' or 'dementia care' in their advertising to prevent misleading claims.

Establishes a transition period where facilities licensed before the new rules take effect have six months to obtain the new memory care license after the rules are adopted.

Created a new Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence within the Department of Elderly Affairs to coordinate state resources and submit annual reports on Alzheimer's care.

The definition of 'memory care services' was narrowed to exclude optional supportive services available to all residents, ensuring the license applies only to specialized care agreements.

A new requirement mandates that memory care services licenses must be renewed at the same time as the facility's standard license.

New restrictions prohibit facilities from using specific terms like 'memory care' or 'dementia care' in advertising unless they hold a specific memory care services license.

The bill now establishes the Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence within the Department of Elderly Affairs to assist caregivers and improve care quality.

The bill text was updated to include the Committee on Fiscal Policy as a sponsor and adjusted the legislative summary to reflect the new committee structure.

Replaced general operational standards with a mandatory requirement for facilities to obtain a specific 'memory care services license' to serve residents with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Mandated that rules for the new license must include specific standards for staffing (including awake staff), safety, physical plant design, and contract disclosures.

Added precise definitions for 'memory care resident' and 'memory care services' to clarify when a license is required versus when a facility is merely offering optional activities.

Set a deadline of October 1, 2026, for the Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt specific rules governing the new memory care license.

Created a grandfathering provision allowing facilities that accepted residents before the rules take effect to continue without a license temporarily, provided they notify residents and stop accepting new memory care residents.

Established a mechanism where facilities failing to obtain the license must amend resident contracts and maintain specific records if a resident chooses to remain at the facility.

Repealed previous sections regarding special care disclosures and replaced them with a new section creating the Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence within the Department of Elderly Affairs.