1. A. If an assisted living facility is authorized to provide directed care services, a manager shall ensure that:

   1. 1. Policies and procedures for memory care services are established, documented, and implemented to cover the following:

      1. a. Skills and knowledge necessary for the personnel member to provide the expected memory care services;
      2. b. Interventions used for behavior management;
      3. c. Systems to accommodate visitors, staff, and residents who do not need controlled egress;
      4. d. The requirements in R9-10-815(C)(8) regarding the prevention of unsafe wandering or exit seeking, which may include the use of tracking systems;
      5. e. Promotion of nutrition and hydration care;
      6. f. Evacuation and emergency procedures specific to residents receiving memory care services, that include the requirements in R9-10-819(A)(5);
      7. g. Prevention techniques of elopement and responding to elopement incidents promptly and effectively;
      8. h. Monitoring residents receiving memory care services in outdoor areas on the premises;

      9. i. Specialized environmental features to support memory care that include:

         1. i. Secure areas to prevent wandering and spaces designed for cognitive stimulation and engagement; and
         2. ii. Strategies for providing person-centered care that aligns with the principles of dementia-friendly environments, including familiar surroundings, optimized sensory stimulation, and meaningful activities; and
      10. j. Specialized accommodations and progressive support for activities of daily living tailored to persons living with dementia following evidence-based best practices;
   2. 2. Activities that match the resident's cognitive ability, memory, attention span, language, reasoning ability, and physical function;

   3. 3. For a resident who requests or receives memory care services from the assisted living facility, a medical practitioner:

      1. a. Evaluates the resident within 30 calendar days before acceptance of the resident and at least once every six months throughout the duration of the resident’s need for memory care services;
      2. b. Reviews the assisted living facility’s scope of services; and
      3. c. Signs and dates a determination stating that the resident’s needs can be met by the assisted living facility within the assisted living facility’s scope of services and, for retention of a resident, are being met by the assisted living facility;
   4. 4. There is staffing to ensure adequate supervision and care for residents receiving memory care services;
   5. 5. In an assisted living facility where residents are housed in two or more detached buildings, or if a building has distinct and segregated areas, a designated caregiver must be awake and available in each building and each segregated area at all times; and
   6. 6. If applicable, staffing is increased to compensate for the evaluated care and service needs of residents at move-in or for the changing physical or cognitive needs of the residents.
2. B. A manager shall ensure that staff obtain a certificate of completion, as specified in R9-10-126, including the minimum eight hours of initial memory care services training within the first 30 days of hire or provide a copy of a certificate of completion, as specified in R9-10-126, obtained within the preceding 12 months from the date of hire. If a staff member or contractor has not worked at an assisted living facility that is licensed to provide directed care services for a period of 12 months, the staff member or contractor must complete the minimum eight hours of initial memory care services training within 30 days after the date of hire, rehire, or returning to work.
3. C. In addition to the minimum eight hours of initial memory care services training, a manager shall complete a minimum of four hours of memory care services training specific to assisted living facility managers.
4. D. Each resident receiving memory care services must have a service plan that meets the requirements specified in R9-10-815(C).
5. E. Service planning for residents receiving memory care services shall be person-centered involving comprehensive assessments that consider the resident’s medical history, preference, and social context, and should actively include input from the resident and the resident’s representative. Service planning for residents receiving memory care services shall be individualized, regularly reviewed according to R9-10-808, and adjusted to meet the changing needs of residents as their condition progresses.
6. F. The assisted living facility shall only admit or retain residents whose cognitive and physical care needs can be safely managed within the area or areas in an assisted living facility where memory care services are provided.

7. G. An assisted living facility authorized to provide directed care services and is providing memory care services shall incorporate evidence-based specialized environmental features that:

   1. 1. Use clear, easy-to-understand signage and visual cues to help residents navigate their surroundings;
   2. 2. Reduce environmental factors that may cause confusion or distress, such as loud noises or overly bright lighting;
   3. 3. Prevent residents from accessing materials, furnishings, equipment, activities, or treatments that may pose a health or safety risk;
   4. 4. Support resident movement and engagement;
   5. 5. Promote independence and overall well-being;
   6. 6. Ensure easy access and intuitive wayfinding; and
   7. 7. Facilitate engagement and encourage participation in meaningful daily tasks and activities.

Historical Note

New Section made by final rulemaking at 9 A.A.R. 319, effective March 14, 2003 (Supp. 03-1). Section repealed; new Section made by exempt rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 2015, effective October 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 1409, pursuant to Laws 2013, Ch. 10, § 13; effective July 1, 2014 (Supp. 14-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 1409, pursuant to Laws 2013, Ch. 10, § 13; effective July 1, 2014 (Supp. 14-2). Section repealed; new Section made by final rulemaking at 31 A.A.R. 2085 (June 27, 2025), with a delayed effective date of June 30, 2025 (Supp. 25-2).