Leveling the Playing Field: Big Win for AFH Referrals
Advocacy in Action—And This One Changes the Game
The Adult Family Home Council has been hard at work advocating for a more fair and consistent referral process—and we’re excited to share a major win for providers.
For years, AFH providers have shared concerns about inconsistent referral practices, with some homes receiving more opportunities than others simply due to how referrals were being made. You spoke, and we listened.
When Room and Care partnered with DSHS in July 2025, the goal was clear: create a standardized system for case managers to identify and refer residents for placement. However, inconsistent use of the system meant that goal wasn’t being fully realized.
So we took action.
The Council worked directly with DSHS to elevate provider concerns and pushed for a solution that ensures fairness across the board.
And it worked.
As of April 1, 2026, Home and Community Services (HCS) has officially required all case managers—and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)—to use Room and Care for referrals.
What this means for you
This is a significant step toward greater equity, transparency, and consistency in how referrals are distributed across AFH providers. With this change:
· All Medicaid referrals will now flow through Room and Care
· Providers will have more equal access to placement opportunities
· The referral process will be more standardized and predictable
Your next steps: Don’t miss opportunities
To make the most of this change, it’s essential to stay actively engaged:
· Log in regularly to monitor new referrals
· Keep your profile current and complete to attract placements
· Respond promptly to referral opportunities
Providers who stay active in the system will be best positioned to benefit from this more equitable process.
This is what Advocacy looks like
Your feedback drives our work. This outcome is a direct result of providers speaking up and the Council advocating on your behalf.
We will continue working to ensure systems and policies support fairness, access, and success for all AFH providers.
Click here for MB: H26-013
Not a Member Yet?
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.