Proposed Changes to AFH Licensing Rules – What You Need to Know
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has filed proposed amendments to several sections of Chapter 388-76 WAC, the Adult Family Home Minimum Licensing Requirements. These changes are now in the formal rulemaking (CR-102) phase, and adult family home providers have an opportunity to submit comments.
What is Changing?
The proposed rulemaking affects specific sections of the AFH licensing chapter and touches on several operational and documentation areas.
Highlights include:
Ombuds access and resident records
Updates to long-term care ombuds access to resident records.
Removal of the requirement to include the resident’s Social Security number in the resident record.
Requirement to keep the notice of rights and services in each resident’s record.
Licensing and multiple-home providers
Clarification of when an adult family home license must or may be denied for multiple-home providers.
Repeal of the rule prohibiting licensure of certain DSHS employees and their household members.
Physical environment and building changes
Addition of a minimum interior door width requirement.
New requirement for Residential Care Services (RCS) approval of modifications or new construction of resident bedrooms that occurs after licensure.
Emergency preparedness and plans of correction
Change in language for partial emergency evacuation drills from “every sixty days” to “every two months.”
Clarification of requirements for provider Plans of Correction (POCs).
How and When to Comment – Please Also Notify The Council
There are two ways to provide formal comments on the proposed rules: at the public hearing or in writing.
Public hearing
Date: May 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual (details and access information will be posted on the DSHS website and on the AFH Council Events page)
Written comments
Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 26, 2026. You may submit comments by email to
DSHSRPAURulesCoodinator@dshs.wa.gov
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.