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Important July Dear Provider Letters

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 June below.

CR-101 Filed to Propose Amending and Adding Sections of Chapter 388-76 WAC, AFH; Chapter 388-78A WAC, ALF; Chapter 388-107, ESF; and Chapter 388-97 WAC NH Licensing Rules

July 17, 2025

The Department of Social and Health Services (department) is considering amending and adding sections of Chapter 388-76 WAC, Adult Family Home (AFH); Chapter 388-78A WAC, Assisted Living Facility (ALF); Chapter 388-107 WAC, Enhanced Services Facility; and Chapter 388-97 WAC, Nursing Home Licensing Rules. . Read the letter here.

Personal Care Services Survey

July 17, 2025

Dear Provider/Administrator: This is to make you aware that the Home and Community Living Administration, Home and Community Services division, in collaboration with the University of Washington, will be conducting telephone or face-to-face interviews with people who receive services from the state of Washington using the National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD) survey.

Read the letter here.

 

Withdrawal of CR-101 on Death with Dignity (DWD) Act Medications in LTC Facilities

July 11, 2025

Dear Provider/Administrator: This letter supersedes the following: AFH #2025-013, ALF #2025-010, ESF #2025-008, and NH #2025-016.

Read the letter here.

CR-101 Filed to Propose Amending and Adding Sections of Chapter 388-76 WAC, AFH Minimum Licensing Requirements

July 11, 2025

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently updated their COVID-19 personal protective equipment recommendations for healthcare personnel. Residential Care Services (RCS) is issuing this letter to clarify regulatory expectations regarding infection prevention and control practices (IPC) across all long-term care (LTC) settings in Washington state.

Read the letter here.

Clarification on Infection Prevention and Control Guidance in LTC Settings

July 8, 2025

This Dear Provider Letter reviews in greater depth the upcoming changes to the Residential Support Waiver, as mentioned in previous letters. Read the letter here.

Updates to the Behavioral Health Support Team Supports

June 26, 2025

This Dear Provider letter reviews Behavioral Health Quality Improvement Consultants (BQICs) are shifting from providing resident specific consultations and reviewing facility practice to a teaching model where we are focused on topics related to behavioral health, mental health, care and/or regulatory requirements.  Read the letter here.

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