Dear Provider Letters are notices sent from the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration regarding updates for AFH providers about policies, WAC changes, best practice guidance, and more. Get information on important new Dear Provider Letters published in December below.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 388-76 WAC, CHAPTER 388-78A WAC, CHAPTER 388-97 WAC, CHAPTER 388-107 WAC
On November 25, 2025, the department filed the CR-102 (a form used to officially announce and solicit public comments on proposed new or amended rules as part of the Administrative Procedure Act), a more formal phase of the rulemaking process, with the Office of the Code Reviser. Read the letter here
UPDATED PHARMACY RULES & SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1720, MEDICATION ASSISTANCE INTERESTED PARTIES MEETING
The Department of Social and Health Services (department) invites you to a webinar in January 2026. This session is intended to solicit feedback from interested parties on proposed draft rule language impacting Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Enhanced Services Facilities, and Nursing Homes. . Read the letter here
HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES RULEMAKING: CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LEGAL SERVICES, LTC OMBUDS AND UPATED DSHS FORMS
In August 2025 the department announced the adoption of new rules to comply with federal Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) requirements. These rules go into effect January 1, 2026, and require AFH, ALF, and ESF to have a “residency agreement” with residents who have Medicaid as a payor. Read the letter here
WA CARES FUND PILOT PROGRAM
The WA Cares Fund helps Washington workers earn long-term care benefits. WA Cares will start accepting applications and providing benefits to a small group of participants in a pilot program in January 2026. Participants must live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane or Thurston counties and meet the contribution and care needs requirements. Registered providers who offer services in pilot counties or statewide can participate in the pilot. Participants in the pilot must not be enrolled in Medicaid. . Read the letter here
WA STATE DEATH WITH DIGNITY ACT (DWDA) – IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN ADULT FAMILY HOMES (AFH
The Washington State Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), chapter 70.245 RCW, was passed by voter initiative on November 4, 2008, and became law on March 5, 2009. As of that date, all eligible, terminally ill WA residents who are seeking to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner have the right to request and ingest lethal doses of medication that can be selfadministered as part of their end-of-life care. Read the letter here
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Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.