Weekly Advocacy Update — Feb 27, 2025

Get an update from our Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy! Learn more about our progress with SHB 1398 and how to get involved, the Governor’s proposed budget, and the status of HB 1686. We encourage you to watch the powerful testimony from our team at the hearing for our bill on equitable pay linked below. Stay informed and engaged— your voice matters as we continue advocating for positive change!

Supplemental Shakes Recall Alert

On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus LLC announced a nationwide voluntary recall of 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Get the recall alert, learn what action to take, and what resources are available at our AFH news post.

Get Registered for Lobby Day!

Our annual Lobby Day is just a month away and we need YOU there! This free event takes place on March 25 from 8am to 5pm at the State Capitol. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard, discuss key issues, and network with fellow providers.

Don’t miss your chance to:

• Understand community issues

• Share your personal experiences

• Advance the AFH Council’s mission to improve the lives of vulnerable adults through the support of adult family homes

Seeking Your Input: Small Business Resources

DSHS and HCA are partnering with the Washington State Small Business Liaison Team to improve access to regulatory information, education, and agency resources for small businesses. If you are a DSHS-contracted provider who provides long-term care services to Medicaid clients, they want to hear from you! Please complete this brief survey to let them know what resources would assist you as a small business owner.

There’s a WAC for That!

What to Know About DDA Specialty Training

A large number of calls we received were related to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) training and DD Specialty Certificates. Learn more about where to register for training, how to update your AFH information if you add the specialty, and related WACs in our AFH news post!

Webinar Recording: Safety Awareness and Accident Prevention Program Planning

All employers are required to have an Accident Prevention Program, regardless of the number of employees they have. We’re working alongside Pim Savvy to create resources for developing your plan, including a webinar with more information. If you missed our webinar, you can still watch the recording. You’ll gain the tools you need to confidently implement and maintain your program while learning more about state requirements, steps, and helpful resources. You can also access the presentation slides here to follow along while you watch!.

We Are Hiring!
Director of Education & Support

We are currently seeking a motivated and positive individual to join our team as the Director of Education & Support. This individual will play a pivotal role within the organization, overseeing all educational and training initiatives and serving as the backup point of contact for member inquiries. This position directs and manages the Education & Support Specialists, ensuring the delivery of prompt and accurate assistance to AFHC members. Read more about the qualifications and spread the word to your networks!

King County: Apply for a Free Heat Pump!

Another organization has opened applications for free heat pumps in King County! 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.

There’s a WAC for That!

Important Guidelines for Side Rail Use in AFHs

It’s essential for providers to stay informed about the proper use of side rails to ensure the safety and well-being of your residents. Read our news post to learn about the key guidelines, risks, and best practices for side rail use, as well as important compliance information.

Fall RCS AFH Provider Forum Q&As

The RCS AFH Provider Forum is a quarterly meeting with RCS hosted by the 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 Fall 2024 session here. The recording can also be viewed at this link.

Meet Our Interim Executive Director!

We are excited to welcome Hope Reffett as the Interim Executive Director of the Adult Family Home Council! Hope brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our community, with an extensive background of involvement in the Council’s history. We encourage you to read her letter to the membership to learn more about her background, vision, and the exciting plans she has for our future. We are confident that under her leadership, the Council will continue to thrive and grow in pursuit of our mission!

Welcome Our New Education & Support Specialist!

Cassidy Stewart joined the Council as an Education & Support Specialist on February 3rd and has already jumped in to assist providers! Our team at the office is thoroughly impressed by her ability to adapt and offer solutions to our membership. Learn about Cassidy’s background in her message to members linked below.

Update on Medicaid Referral System

ALTSA is working with Room and Care to implement the new Medicaid referral system in February! This tool will help match Medicaid clients with Adult Family Homes (AFH) and Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) at no cost to providers. Training materials are in development and will be shared in the coming weeks!

BCCU Background Check Processing Update
February 5, 2025

As of February 5th, BCCU has completed the manual review of all background checks. Courtesy email notifications were sent to all Primary Account Administrators (PAAs) regarding updates in the Background Check System (BCS) for inquiries submitted to BCCU between November 1 and December 6, 2024. Get more information in the notice from BCCU at our AFH News post linked below.

National Post-acute and Long-term Care
Study (NPALS) Update

Several providers have reached out to the Council with concerns about a survey they received bearing the CDC logo. We want to assure you that this survey is legitimate and not a scam. Participation is entirely voluntary. Since 2012, the National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study (NPALS) has been collecting data every two years to better understand residential care communities and their needs. The study collects and analyzes data from U.S. providers who serve individuals needing post-acute care after urgent medical treatment or long-term care for those unable to care for themselves.

February Statewide Chapter Meeting Recap

If you missed our last Statewide Chapter meeting, you can still get the updates we shared by watching the recording! This month, we heard from the Executive Board of Directors and our interim Executive Director on recent changes and updates.

Rulemaking Webinars for TB and Disaster Preparedness

DSHS will continue tuberculosis rulemaking webinars for adult family homes and enhanced services facilities through Spring 2025. They will also be considering amendments to three WACs regarding disaster preparedness requirements for AFHs and are requesting feedback from providers through a webinar series. Get links to register for the upcoming sessions at our linked news posts.

A New Chapter for Karen Cordero

We encourage you to take a moment to read the heartfelt farewell from Karen Cordero, our Director of Education & Support. Over the past seven years, Karen has played a key role in educating and supporting providers, offering guidance, and advocating for provider interests with the State. Her dedication leaves a lasting impact on all of us at the Council and the thousands of providers she has served.

We’re excited that Karen will continue her work in the AFH community as the new Executive Director of the Long-Term Care Foundation on February 24. While we express deep gratitude for her contributions at the Council, we wish Karen all the best and look forward to working with her in her new role!

NEW Hybrid Schedule at the Council Office

Exciting times are ahead at the Council! We are thrilled to announce that we have added new staff members and are continuing to grow our organization! 🎉

With much thought and consideration, we believe the best way to serve our membership is to focus on the office, meet the demands of our members, and support our growth. For the month of February, our primary focus will be on onboarding and training new staff, and supporting our legislative agenda.

Starting January 31, 2025: Our phone lines will be open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

We are committed to providing the best support and services to our members, and these changes are just the beginning. So many good things are coming your way—stay tuned!

There’s a WAC for That!

Hidden Tidbits in WAC 388-76-10000

Welcome to the latest edition of “There’s a WAC for That,” where we uncover the hidden gems within Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-76-10000 – Definitions. This section is packed with crucial definitions that shape the care and protection of vulnerable adults in adult family homes. Dive into some key highlights with us!

Know Your Rights: Immigrant Resources

We have received several inquiries regarding deportation concerns and want to remind you that you have rights that protect you. To ensure everyone has access to important information, we’re sharing resources to help you navigate these concerns. Please refer to our news post for guidance on understanding and navigating your rights.

There’s a WAC for That!

Ensuring Compliance with Transfer and Discharge Regulations

A recent article in The Columbian, titled “Vulnerable people quietly kicked out of Clark County’s adult family homes and assisted living facilities,” has raised concerns about the perception of inappropriate discharges from our settings. While the article acknowledges there is no measure of this alleged activity, it is crucial that we address these concerns to maintain the trust of potential residents and their families. To help maintain trust and ensure compliance, we’ve provided information in our AFH news post on how to properly handle resident transfers and discharge notices.

Tax Season Alert for AFH Providers

As tax season approaches, it’s crucial for adult family home (AFH) providers to stay informed about important deadlines and requirements. Be sure to review our Tax Season Alert for essential information about W-2 and 1099 forms, including when they should be mailed and what to do if you haven’t received them. Staying informed and meeting these deadlines will help ensure a smooth and stress-free tax season.

There’s a WAC for That!

Reporting Outbreaks

Are you aware that you are obligated to report an outbreak of a communicable disease? Get information on how an outbreak is defined and who needs to be notified when an outbreak occurs in our recent AFH news post. Stay in compliance and protect the health of everyone in your home!

BOI e-Filing Requirements on Pause

Please note that beneficial ownership information reporting requirements have been affected by a recent federal court order. The Department of the Treasury is appealing that order. In the meantime, reporting companies are not currently required to file a BOIR and are not subject to liability if they fail to do so while the applicable order remains in force. However, reporting companies may still opt to file a BOIR at https://www.fincen.gov/boi.

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.

Respiratory Protection Against Airborne Diseases and Regulatory Requirements
November 7, 2024

This Dear Provider Letter is a reminder to review your infection prevention and control (IPC) system for your home as well as relevant regulations and guidelines. Read the letter here.

LTC Ombuds Access to Residential Care Facility Residents and Resident Records
October 31, 2024

This Dear Provider Letter outlines the critical need to collaborate with the State Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombuds when they need access to facilities and residents. Read the letter here.

Update on Medical Test Site Waiver Resources

New Dear Provider Letter

A new Dear Provider Letter was sent on November 15 with updated information on available resources. This newest letter supersedes previous letters on Medical Test Site Waivers and includes updated contact information. Read the Dear Provider Letter here.

Medical Test Site Waiver Webinar

A special webinar was hosted by the AFH Council to provide an overview of waived medical test sites in Washington. Attendees learned about the waived license, the application process and licensure requirements. You can view the recording here.

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.

Succession Plans to be Reviewed Starting Sept. 1, 2024

In 2020, WAC 388-76-10201 required adult family homes to have a succession plan. This is a written plan that outlines how the home will continue to meet requirements of Chapter 388-76 WAC if the provider or entity representative is unable to fulfill their duties. A new Dear Provider Letter released on Aug 2, 2024 states that licensors will now request to review your AFH’s succession plan during routine licensing inspections starting September 1, 2024. For more information on succession plans, read the letter here.

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