Assisted living in Washington: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Washington, and what to check before you choose.
What Washington calls it
In Washington, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Facility (ALF)”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, Residential Care Services is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Memory care
Washington certifies memory care services in assisted living facilities through its Specialized Dementia Care Program.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Washington's COPES program, a Medicaid 1915(c) waiver run by Home and Community Services, serves people who would otherwise need nursing facility care and who live in their own homes, adult family homes or assisted living facilities. Eligibility rules apply, including age, functional and financial criteria.
Checking a community
A DSHS page for searching assisted living facilities, with an advanced assisted living facility search option.
Help and complaints
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Washington
The Washington Department of Social and Health Services publishes tables of the regulations most frequently cited in assisted living facility inspections and complaint investigations.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Washington?
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, Residential Care Services.