Alzheimer's Dementia and Other Forms of Dementia Special Care Disclosure Act becomes law
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Alzheimer’s Dementia and Other Forms of Dementia Special Care Disclosure Act, HB 2262, is now law. It requires facilities who advertise memory care to disclose what type of care is being provided. The primary author of the bill is Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond. “Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the most emotional and challenging journeys a family can face,” said Miller. “I authored the original legislation in 2021 to bring greater transparency to memory care. This bill builds on that foundation — strengthening the process and offering families clarity, confidence and peace of mind. I’m proud to see this bill become law.” Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, was the bill’s Senate author. “Families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia deserve transparency when choosing a memory care facility for their loved one,” said Stanley. “With this legislation, families will have accessible information to compare services, staffing, and support available across facilities. I’m proud to see this bill become law and extend protections to vulnerable individuals, hold providers accountable, and offer families peace of mind. I extend my appreciation to everyone who helped get this bill across the finish line, ensuring families can make informed, confident decisions” Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, co-authored the bill and presented it in House committees and on the House Floor. “Caregivers and families of those with Alzheimer's or dementia already face immense emotional stress when trying to figure out what facility is best suited for their loved ones's needs," said Blancett. "The last thing they need is to get misinformation in the decision process because the life of their loved one can literally hang in the balance if a bad placement is made. "This bill places greater disclosure requirements on both referral agencies, caregivers and the Oklahoma Department of Health to better ensure families know in advance which facilities provide which memory care services and which do not." According to the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter, in Oklahoma, there are over 70,500 Oklahomans aged 65 and up with Alzheimer's, there was a 152% increase in Alzheimer's Deaths from 2000-2022, and 18% of Hospice Residents have a primary diagnosis of Dementia. The bill also requires the conspicuous posting of information about where a person can report a referral agency or a facility which has not provided the appropriate information about a facility's memory care capabilities. Reporting such complaints are to be made to the Consumer Protection Unit of the Office of the Attorney General. Consumer representatives can be reached at: (405) 521-2029; (833) 681-1895; and ConsumerProtection@oag.ok.gov The law will take effect November 1, 2025. -END-