Weekly Advocacy Update
April 11, 2025

Thank you to everyone who continues to answer our calls to action and amplify our messages to legislators. Our latest petition received nearly 650 signatures with 346 personal stories on the impact of proposed fee increases. We could not have made this progress without the strength and dedication of our membership. Get an update from our Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy on how you’ve made a difference and what to expect next!

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!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Developmental Disabilities Administration sent an email with a reminder that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, recognized across the country every year. This year’s theme is “Together We Act, United We Change,” highlighting the importance of working together to stop sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Read their message about how to report sexual assault and resources that are available to everyone.

AFH Council Update:
Mission-Focused, Member-Driven

The Council’s Interim Executive Director, Hope Reffett, has an update on how the Council is progressing toward its goals and staying committed to supporting our members. Her personal letter includes highlights such as the successful Lobby Day hosted on March 25, how we’re staying in the fight to protect Meaningful Day, growing membership and partnerships, and more.

Register for our 2025 Spring Conference!

Our 2025 Spring Conference is coming soon 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!

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!

There’s a WAC for That!

Ensuring Compliance with Personnel Record Requirements

WAC 388-76-10198 is aimed at enhancing the management and accessibility of personnel records (your staff) in adult family homes. These regulations are crucial for maintaining high standards of care and ensuring compliance with state requirements. We highlighted essential steps all providers must take to ensure they meet requirements in our newsletter linked below.

Positive Partnerships: AFHs and Long-Term Care Ombuds

Our very own Tammy Stimach, owner of Arbor Rose Inc., had her AFH featured in a televised video celebrating the work of an ombudsman with 19 years of service! Watch the video at the link below and hear Tammy’s insights on this incredible opportunity to showcase AFHs and their impact on our community.

Winter RCS AFH Provider Forum Q&As

The RCS AFH Provider Forum is a quarterly meeting with RCS hosted by the AFH Council. They are scheduled with the intention of improving communication, giving providers opportunities to meet with RCS staff, and ensuring provider questions are answered. Please see information on the questions and answers covered from our Winter 2025 session here. The recording can also be viewed at this link.

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.

Eastside King County: Apply for a Free Heat Pump!

Another organization has opened free heat pump applications for AFHs in Eastside King County! (Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond or Sammamish). This is being offered with funds from the Climate Commitment Act to specifically serve AFH providers. Heat pumps are an excellent source for reliable heating and can help reduce energy costs, benefiting both you and your residents. Learn more about the requirements and process at our news post linked below.

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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