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 October below.
CLARIFYING TUBERCULOSIS (TB) REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT FAMILY HOMES (AFHs)
Residential Care Services (RCS) has received questions to clarify TB requirements for AFHs, specifically around new hires, previous positives and the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine (a live, weakened form of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that causes tuberculosis. It is used to prevent TB infection, particularly in high-risk populations). Read the letter here
CLARIFICATION ON INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL GUIDANCE IN LONG-TERM CARE SETTINGS
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently updated their COVID-19 personal protective equipment recommendations for healthcare personnel and Interim Return to Work Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and Other Acute Viral Respiratory Infections. 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
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