Creating a certification for memory care services.

Added a requirement that the department set certification fees to be compensatory to the cost of the program.

Removed the requirement for the department to define what constitutes a 'significant change in scope of services' for memory care facilities.

Changed the disclosure rule to only require notification of significant changes in 'staffing' rather than both staffing and scope of services.

Added a new section clarifying that facilities can care for dementia residents without official memory care certification as long as they do not represent themselves as memory care facilities to the public.

Added a new section stating that this act does not replace existing requirements under chapter 70.129 RCW.

The bill's reading date was updated from January 17, 2025, to February 14, 2025, and the sponsor list was updated to reflect the Senate Health & Long-Term Care committee.

The requirement for facilities to have a valid contract with the department to provide Medicaid dementia care services at an enhanced rate was removed from the certification criteria.

The enforcement action criteria were broadened from a 12-month lookback period to a general 'prior to application' standard, covering patterns of uncorrected or recurring significant enforcement actions.

New conditional exemptions were added to allow facilities operating before July 1, 2026, to request waivers for outdoor space requirements to prevent service disruption or resident displacement.

Disclosure requirements were strengthened to mandate that certified facilities inform residents and representatives of significant changes in scope of services or staffing within 30 days.

The definition of 'memory care facility' was updated to clarify that any part of a facility with restricted egress preventing residents from leaving without staff is considered a memory care unit requiring certification.

Section 4 was amended to explicitly state that operating a memory care facility without certification is an unfair or deceptive act enforceable by the attorney general under the consumer protection act.

The bill's official title and number were updated to reflect its progression to the second substitute stage.

The legislative committee reviewing the bill changed from Health & Long-Term Care to Ways & Means.

The requirement for assisted living facilities to become certified now explicitly mandates payment of both initial and annual certification fees.

A specific provision allowing the department to grant conditional exemptions for facilities operating before July 1, 2026, was removed from the text.