Assisted living in Arizona: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Arizona, and what to check before you choose.
What Arizona calls it
In Arizona, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Facility (centers and homes)”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Assisted Living Facilities Licensing is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Arizona's Medicaid agency, AHCCCS, runs the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) for people who need nursing facility level of care and says many ALTCS members live in their own homes or an assisted living facility and receive in-home services. Eligibility rules apply.
Checking a community
The Arizona Department of Health Services licensing page links to a License History Search for assisted living facilities; the page does not describe whether inspection reports are included.
Help and complaints
Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Department of Economic Security) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Arizona
AHCCCS policy states that it does not cover room and board in assisted living facilities; the ALTCS contractor sets that amount and the member pays it, though someone else may pay on the member's behalf.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Arizona?
Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Assisted Living Facilities Licensing.