Licensing
Type A vs Type B assisted living in Texas: what is the difference?
The difference between a Type A and Type B assisted living facility in Texas is the residents they can serve. Type A residents must be able to evacuate without staff help and need no nighttime attendance. Type B residents may need evacuation assistance or overnight care — so Type B requires awake night staff and stricter building standards.
Reviewed by Erika Crossley, Texas senior care startup specialist · Information last verified June 2026
What each type can serve
- —Type A: residents who are mobile or can evacuate on their own and do not need attendance through the night.
- —Type B: residents who may need help evacuating, may need overnight care, and can include memory care (with Alzheimer’s certification).
- —Both are licensed for up to 16 residents at the "small" level; 17+ is a "large" facility with heavier requirements.
How the requirements differ
- —License fee: identical — $300 base + $15 per bed, capped at $2,250 for 3 years. The cost is not what separates them.
- —Night staff: Type B must have awake staff on duty; small Type A staff may sleep but must be immediately available.
- —Bedrooms: Type A minimum 80 sq ft single / 60 shared; Type B minimum 100 sq ft single / 80 shared.
- —Memory care: only Type B can be certified for Alzheimer’s/dementia (adds $300 to the license).
- —Sprinklers: not automatically required for a small Type A; Type B follows the HHSC Life Safety Code checklist.
Common questions
Is Type A or Type B cheaper to license in Texas?
The license fee is the same for both ($300 + $15/bed, capped at $2,250). Type B costs more to operate because it requires awake night staff and larger bedrooms.
Which type do I need for memory care?
Type B. Only a Type B facility can be certified for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, which adds $300 to the three-year license.
Can a Type A resident who declines stay in my facility?
Only while they still meet Type A criteria. If a resident comes to need evacuation assistance or overnight care, they require a Type B facility.