Arizona Sets New Standards for Dementia Care in Assisted Living

After nearly two years of hard work, gathering stories, meeting with stakeholders, testifying at the legislature, and advocating for change, Arizona has officially approved stronger rules for memory care in assisted living facilities.

What You Should Know:

Last year, AARP Arizona and hundreds of community members pushed for the passage of House Bill 2764. The bill had two key goals:

1. Define what quality “memory care” should look like in Arizona.

2. Increase penalties for facilities that provide substandard care.

Passing the bill was just the first step. The next phase was rulemaking. A process where the law is translated into practical rules by the Arizona Department of Health, with input from community members, care providers, and advocacy groups. These rules then needed approval from the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC), a citizen-appointed group that ensures new rules align with the law and don’t impose unnecessary burdens.

On June 3, the GRRC met to review the proposed rules. AARP Arizona, the Alzheimer’s Association, and many others showed up to testify in support. After hearing nearly an hour of public comment, the council voted unanimously—5 to 0—to approve the rules.

What This Means for Families:

This is a big win for Arizona families. The new rules will mean clearer standards for memory care, more training for staff, and stronger accountability for facilities. It’s a step toward ensuring that seniors with dementia receive the safe, respectful, and compassionate care they deserve.

When will the new standards for assisted living facilities officially take effect in Arizona

Key Deadlines for Arizona’s Assisted Living Standards Implementation

Arizona’s new standards for assisted living facilities, especially those providing memory care, are governed by a series of important deadlines and requirements. Below is a summary of the key dates and milestones for compliance:

Major Implementation Deadlines

June 3, 2025 Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) approved the new rules for assisted living memory care.

July 1, 2025 New memory care legislation and rules officially take effect statewide3456.

By June 30, 2025 All facilities must be in compliance with new standards, including staff training and documentation.

Key Requirements and Compliance Dates

• Staff Training:

  • All memory care staff must complete eight hours of initial training before working with residents under the new rules.

  • Managers must complete an additional four hours of specialized memory care training.

  • Staff and contractors rehired after a 12-month gap must complete initial training within 30 days of rehire.

• Licensing Updates:

  • A new “memory care” subcategory is added to assisted living facility licenses effective July 1, 2025. Existing licensees may need to update documentation to reflect compliance with the new requirements.

• Resident Certification:

  • Facilities must obtain bi-annual certification from a medical practitioner confirming that each resident’s stay in memory care is appropriate.

• Enforcement and Penalties:

  • Increased civil penalties (up to $1,000 per resident per day) for non-compliance begin July 1, 2025.

  • Ongoing compliance inspections and documentation requirements are in effect starting July 1, 2025.

• The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) will continue to issue guidance and may require supplemental documentation from existing facilities as implementation progresses.

• Facilities should monitor ADHS communications for any updates on compliance procedures and additional deadlines.

These deadlines mark a significant shift in Arizona’s approach to memory care and assisted living, aiming to improve care quality, staff training, and accountability across the state.