2025 Legislative Session Overview

As the 2025 legislative session draws to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect — with gratitude, pride, and determination. This legislative session was not easy. In fact, it is the toughest we’ve seen in over a decade. Programs were cut, services were slashed, and every line item was on the chopping block. Yet, you showed up. You stood together. And because of that, we made meaningful progress that would not have been possible without your advocacy, your passion, and your voice. Get the update on what we’ve gained, what to expect, and the obstacles we’ll be facing as we position ourselves for the next session in our update.

There’s a WAC for That!

Updating Your AFH Information

One of the biggest marketing tips from our Spring Conference series is to make sure your contact information is up to date on all platforms! Do you know what phone number your inquires are going to? Is your email address professional? Learn how to update your information with DSHS at our newsletter linked below.

Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance Scholarships

In an effort to spread the evidence based Fall Prevention Program Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) in Washington State, DOH has funds to provide scholarships for TJQMBB Instructor training. I want to draw your attention to this opportunity while we have funding. Please pass this information to your Lewis, Mason, Thurston County Fall Prevention Coalition and encourage potential instructors to apply online for a scholarship. Apply now to get started. No Tai Chi experience necessary!

Upcoming Webinar:

Supported Employment for Your Residents

June 11, 2025 @ 2pm

This training will demonstrate the benefits of employment for individuals with disabilities living at your facility who have a desire to work. It will cover the myths and misconceptions around our clients who would like to work. We are going to dispel those myths and explain how our clients can work, enrich their lives from community engagement, improve their health, yet maintain services with us and not lose their important benefits.

Upcoming TBI Support Groups & Events

The “Heading Forward” Bulletin will now provide two monthly bulletins: one focused on upcoming TBI support groups and events, and one focused on community connections to TBI resources and partners. Get information on upcoming support groups and events at our newsletter linked below.

Register for our 2025 Spring Conference!

Our 2025 Spring Conference is coming to Auburn, Spokane, and Vancouver! Our theme this year, “Bloom Into Marketing” is designed to meet a growing need in the AFH community. We have a packed day planned with networking and vendor opportunities, engaging activities, and insightful presentations to equip providers with tools for marketing success. Plus, we’ll be serving breakfast and lunch to keep everyone energized throughout the day. Get registered and elevate your marketing skills as you learn, connect, and grow with us!

Updated ProviderOne Billing Guides — Coming Soon

DSHS and the Health Care Authority (HCA) have been updating and consolidating ProviderOne billing guides. The new guides will be published to the ProviderOne for Social Services webpage within the next couple of months. Providers will be notified via email when the new guides are available. After the guides are published, DSHS & HCA will also host trainings for AFH providers to review the new guides, and review ProviderOne basics. More information about these trainings soon!

There’s a WAC for That!

Relocating Your AFH: What to Know

In the realm of adult family homes, ensuring the safety and privacy of residents is paramount. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-76-10720 and WAC 388-76-10725 provide clear guidelines on the use of electronic monitoring equipment, including video and audio devices, within these homes. Learn what providers need to know about when and where they can use cameras in our newsletter.

Real ID Travel Requirements Effective May 7

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the United States or visiting certain federal facilities must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Standard Washington driver licenses and ID cards will no longer be accepted to board domestic flights or enter some federal buildings. This is part of the federal REAL ID Act, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued IDs and driver licenses. Please review the information at our AFH News post to ensure you are prepared and have appropriate travel documents.

Long-Term Care Ombuds Roster

Updated April 9, 2025

The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds have published an updated roster of their regional ombuds. These independent advocates work to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of residents in long-term care by investigating concerns, resolving complaints, and promoting high standards of care.

Maintaining strong communication with your ombuds promotes partnership in supporting and addressing our residents’ needs. To view the updated roster, click the button below. Thank you for your continued commitment to resident advocacy and quality care!

There’s a WAC for That!

HCA Training and Certification Requirements

Home care aide (HCS) certificates are a hot topic – what are the rules for obtaining a certificate while working as a caregiver? Well, There’s a WAC for that! More specifically… there are multiple WACs for that. Get definitions for key terms like “Direct Supervision” and learn about requirements for HCA training and certification at our newsletter!

Reimagining DSHS

Message from Acting Secretary

A letter from DSHS Acting Secretary Cheryl Strange explains a plan to “realign and restructure DSHS in a way that measurably improves people’s experiences with our department.” This plan includes changes to the DSHS organizational structure and new goals, such as creating a Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration. Read the full letter at the link below.

Celebrate Residents’ Rights Month!
Resident’s Voice Challenge with National Consumer Voice

October is Residents’ Rights Month. In celebration, the Resident’s Voice Challenge offers an exciting opportunity for your residents to express their thoughts on residents’ rights through essays, poems, artwork, and videos. This is a great way to engage your residents, showcase your AFH’s commitment to honoring residents’ rights, and make a positive impact on a national level. Read the full AFH News post for more details on how you can get involved and engage your residents!

Get updates on critical dear provider letters below. To see all letters, visit ALTSA’s page.

Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Operations in Long-Term Care Settings Revised
March 10, 2025

This Dear Provider Letter clarified that RCS does not require knowledge of citizenship status for clients or staff in AFHs. The letter also shares links to immigration resources. Read the letter here.

Investigation And Referral Process For Allegations

Unrelated To Physical Or Sexual Abuse
December 6, 2024

This Dear Provider Letter shares an update to APS’s policy: they will now only investigate allegations of sexual abuse and physical abuse with substantial injury.  The letter also explains what is classified as a “substantial injury.” Read the letter here.

Updated Community Behavioral
Health Support (CBHS) Guidance

The guidance for Community Behavioral Health Support (CBHS) Supervision services was updated in February 2025. Please review the guidance published by the Health Care Authority and DSHS for more information on claims submissions deadlines and documentation requirements. Please note: the AFH Council is working to understand the full scope of CBHS changes and is engaging in conversations with the Health Care Authority and DSHS. We will provide additional updates as soon as we have them.

Changes to Residential Support Waiver (RSW)

DSHS recently released a Dear Provider letter outlining changes to the Residential Support Waiver (RSW) scheduled to start July 1, 2025. Services under RSW include Expanded Community Support (ECS) and Specialized Behavior Support (SBS). The state is shifting how it pays for behavioral health support to leverage better federal participation and reduce state costs, which means that SBS and ECS will no longer be the primary program for serving residents needing behavioral or mental health support.

The AFH Council was specifically told that current RSW clients would remain on RSW, and only new residents would begin CBHS— but this letter states they intend to begin converting all eligible residents now. Read our latest AFH News post to learn more about the impact and how we are working to address this information.

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