Dear Provider Letters are notices sent from the Home and Community Living 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 February below.
Submitting Plans of Correction (POC) Attestations, and Requesting an Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR)
- If submitting your signed Statement of Deficiency (SOD), whether you are signing the POC attestation box or not, this needs to be submitted to your assigned Field Manager. Please note – you do not need to attest to the POC for any citations you are disputing. All SODs must have the statement at the beginning related to general compliance signed.
- If you are submitting a request for an IDR, the online submission form is located on the Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) l DSHS website. It is important not to submit your signed SOD/POC to the IDR unit. It must go to the Field Manager. Read The Letter Here
AFHs no longer an eligible setting for Roads to Community Living (RCL) recipients
The Department issued a notice that, effective 03/01/2026, admitting clients participating in the RCL program to AFHs is no longer a viable options. This change is due to changes made at the federal level. RCL recipients living in residential (group home) settings must live in a home with four or fewer unrelated individuals. Based on AFH licensing structures and operational models, these settings are no longer compatible with the program standards.
What this means for you…
- No action is needed from Providers. The letter is intended as information only.
- Providers who have current residents in their homes on the RCL waiver should be aware that the department case manager will work to transition the client to another waiver, such as Community First Choice (CFC).
- Providers anticipating admitting a client to their home on an RCL waiver in the near future should anticipate the case manager discussing options with the client to determine if they wish to remain on the RCL waiver and plan admission to another setting OR to continue with admission and transition to a different waiver.
Read the letter here
Measles remains a growing concern in WA
DOH issued an updated alert related to the rising cases of measles in WA, reminding the public that the MMR vaccination continues to be the most reliable way to avoid serious disease if infected, or avoid infection completely. All cases reported since 01/01/2026 have occurred in individuals who are unvaccinated.
What this means for you…
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, particularly in individuals who are not vaccinated. Symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure and include:
- High fever, cough, and runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body
Measles can cause life-threatening health complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. For more information on the disease, please visit https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/measles
Read the letter here
Proposed changes to incident reporting
The Department is proposing changes to incident reporting to include medication errors when they meet specific criteria. This DPL is to notify Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Enhanced Services Facilities of this proposed change.
What this means for you…
If you are concerned about what this change means, the department is holding an interested parties meeting on this topic. Look for the next one coming in early March 2026. Read the letter here
Office of Legal Aid phone number added to WAC
The Department filed an amendment to add the phone number for the Office of Legal Aid to WAC 388-76-10506
What this means for you…
This resource is available to Medicaid residents who receive a Notice of Transfer and Discharge. Be sure if issuing a Notice of Transfer and Discharge that you use the form updated 01/2026. Here is the link to the form:
Requests for Resident Records from the Office of Legal Aid
Notification to Providers that an “Authorization for Communication and Release of Resident Records” has been developed for when the Office of Legal Aid requests information. Having a signed release prior to providing requested documents keeps the AFH HIPAA compliant.
What this means for you…
If receiving a request for resident records from the Office of Legal Aid, you must have a signed release before you can provide the requested information. The release form can be found here: Read the letter here.
Clarification on Background Check Requirements
This notice clarifies Background check requirements in Adult Family Homes. The Department has previously stated that “Individuals who have not resided in Washington for three consecutive or continuous years or for those who reside outside of the state but work in Washington are required to undergo national fingerprint-based background checks.” The Department issued this DPL to clarify that this was not a requirement in AFHs.
What this means for you…
There is no action needed from providers on this topic. This information was shared for informational purposes only.
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