Discharging or transferring a resident from your adult family home is never an easy decision. Ensure that you are following WAC 388-76-10615 and WAC 388-76-10616 prior to pursuing a transfer and discharge of a resident.

Transfer and Discharge Notice Transfer and Discharge Notice

Caring for residents in an Adult Family Home in Washington State involves a commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Adult Family Homes offer personalized support for adults who may require assistance with daily living activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The admission process is designed to ensure that potential residents receive the appropriate care and support, taking into account their specific health and personal needs. By prioritizing compassion and individualized attention, Adult Family Homes strive to enhance the quality of life for their residents while maintaining compliance with state regulations.

Washington Association of Building Officials

A floor plan for each level of the home will also need to be submitted with the building inspection checklist and the AFH Application.

If your home is on a septic system, the system will need to be inspected by your local health authority or approved septic system inspection entity and you will need to provide documentation of the following:

    • The septic system has been inspected and approved
    • How many people (not bedrooms) the system can accommodate
    • The local health authority or inspection entity is aware that the system will be used in an AFH

This information does not need to be submitted with the application but it will need to be provided to the licensor prior to licensure recommendation. There can be significant costs associated with septic system improvements, so it is highly recommended this process be completed prior to submitting the application.

All Adult Family Homes in Washington State are licensed and regulated to ensure compliance with established standards. Prospective providers must fulfill various educational and training requirements before they can obtain licensure. Once licensed, these homes are subject to regular inspections by multiple regulatory bodies, including the Department of Health and Social Services (DSHS), the Department of Health (DOH), and Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I), as well as federal oversight.

One significant advantage of membership with the Adult Family Home Council is the opportunity for members to have their applications reviewed prior to submission to the Department. This pre-submission review helps ensure that applications are complete and increases the likelihood of efficient processing once submitted.

How Long Does It Take To Become Licensed?

  • Processing of an application for licensure does not begin until the application is considered complete (i.e. all requested items received by the Business Analysis & Applications Unit);
  • Once the application is determined to be complete, the processing timeline begins and could take up to 60 days.
  • On-site inspection by the Department must occur as part of the licensing process and licensure depends on the results of this inspection.
  • The majority of applicants do not meet minimum licensing requirements on the first inspection, thus requiring a subsequent visit.
  • After each inspection, the Department sends a letter to the applicant clearly outlining which licensing requirements have not been met and the specific issues that led to them not being met.
  • The Department has a maximum of 3 inspection visits; if after the third visit the applicant has still not met all the licensing requirements, the case is reviewed to determine the extent of the non-compliance and if a fourth visit is warranted.
Most Common Mistakes on the AFH Application Frequently Asked Questions