New Rules for Memory Care Facilities Approved Amid Industry Concerns
In a significant development for aging advocates and caregivers, the Governors’ Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) has approved a new set of regulations for assisted living facilities that provide memory care. The decision came despite strong objections from industry lobbyists who criticized the rules as ambiguous.
“So do we have a motion?” inquired GRRC Vice Chair Frank Thorwald during the session. GRRC member John Sundt promptly responded, “I make a motion that we move the rules forward.” With a second motion and a roll call, the council members voted in favor of the new regulations.
The Arizona Assisted Living Federation, represented by Trevor Laky, voiced concerns over the clarity of the rules. “We can address these issues before the rule making is done. I understand we have a time limit, we can push this back, there’s nothing that’s preventing us from pushing these back a month or two to get these resolved,” Laky stated.
The rules stem from legislation signed by Governor Katie Hobbs last year, focusing on establishing minimum training standards for memory care staff, individualized care planning, and preventing elopements. For more information on the bill, visit this link.
“That doesn’t mean everything automatically is going to change on July 1. There needs to be some time for implementation, and DHS testified to this that they are going to be working with the industry.”
– Tory Roberg, Alzheimer’s Association, Phoenix
Instances such as the one witnessed by firefighter Steve Wagner illustrate the urgency of these changes. “Just last week, we responded to a call for a man with memory loss who had wandered out of a licensed memory care facility. We found him a quarter-mile away from the facility, injured, scared, and disoriented,” Wagner recounted.
Advocates, including Amy Scoville-Weaver whose mother resides in a group home due to Alzheimer’s, were present to support the vote. She highlighted financial and training concerns: “The average care worker makes $27,000 per year. The average cost of memory care for dementia is $7,500 per month, per family. Dementia training for homes already exists and can be implemented and industry can do this,” Scoville-Weaver said.
Although the rules are set to take effect on July 1, Tory Roberg emphasized the need for a gradual implementation process, noting that the Department of Health Services will collaborate with the industry.
Despite industry apprehensions, many had participated in stakeholder meetings since discussions began in 2023, indicating ongoing dialogue and engagement in shaping these regulations.
