 |
 |
|
 | There’s a WAC for That! The Joy of the Holidays: Celebrating with Food and Togetherness |
| The holiday season is the perfect time to engage with your residents about their favorite holiday traditions and meal plans. Have you discussed what special dishes they would love to have this time of year? From classic roast turkey and stuffing to delightful pies and cookies, these traditional meals not only nourish the body but also the soul. Make this holiday season memorable with recipe ideas and stay mindful of WAC guidance in our latest AFH news post. Happy Holidays! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NEW Advocacy Coordinator:
Courtney Williams |
| Please join us in welcoming Courtney Williams as our new Advocacy Coordinator! Courtney brings a strong background in advocating for individuals with disabilities, driving successful legislative efforts, and a personal connection to long-term care. We’re excited to have her on the team and look forward to working together to enhance our advocacy efforts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | ProviderOne Planned Outage Saturday, December 14 |
| The ProviderOne system will be unavailable from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 (3 hours) due to scheduled maintenance. Please report any issues to: mmishelp@hca.wa.gov Note: If you are not the biller or person who submits claims for your organization, please forward this message to your claims submitter/biller! |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Synkwise Compassion Project Nominate a Caregiver to Receive $250 |
| Synkwise is inviting you to share stories of caregivers in your network who have shown their commitment to care everyday in 2024. Or… your own personal story! This Christmas, they will select 10 extraordinary caregivers to receive $250 as a token of appreciation and support from the Synkwise family. Check out the original Facebook post and submit a nomination at the link below! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | BCCU Background Check Processing Update |
| BCCU has been diligently working to reprocess approximately 28,000 background checks that were submitted between November 1st and December 6th. Unfortunately, the Background Check System has taken longer than anticipated to process these inquiries. The rerun process is anticipated to be fully completed by Friday, December 20th. Manual review of results will continue during the remaining weeks of December or until the backlog is fully resolved. You may receive “Updated” results in BCS this month. Once all reruns and manual reviews are complete, BCCU will email all Primary Account Administrators (PAAs) with a summary of any inquiries that received updates. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Voting for the Executive Board Election is Open! |
| The AFH Council’s annual Executive Board Election is underway, and it’s your chance to make your voice heard! Board members play a crucial role in ensuring the Council achieves meaningful results for its members while maintaining ethical and professional standards. As your regional representatives, they help drive change and support the Council’s mission. Submit your vote by 5pm on December 31 to make your voice heard! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Preparing for Winter Weather |
| Now is the time to prepare for winter conditions. The Developmental Disabilities Administration sent a newsletter on December 6, 2024 with information on tips for storm readiness, winterizing vehicles, signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and additional resources for further guidance. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | December Statewide Chapter Meeting Recap |
| If you missed our last Statewide Chapter meeting, you can still get the updates we shared by watching the recording! |
|  | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Season’s Greetings! Holiday Ideas for Residents |
| It’s that wonderful time of the year again, filled with holiday cheer, blessings, and the spirit of giving. As we celebrate, let’s remember that holidays hold different meanings for everyone. Some celebrate for religious or traditional reasons, while others may find this time of year challenging. Check out our AFH news post for creative, budget-friendly ideas to engage with residents during this season. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | NEW Adult Family Home Council Website! |
| Our new website launched this week! We’re thrilled to offer an enhanced experience for our members and our community of care seekers. Finding the right AFH is now easier than ever with our improved search features and user-friendly interface. Providers will now be able to make some changes to their listing directly on the website and take advantage of our updated Document Library. We’ve also streamlined navigation throughout our site to make it easier to find the information you need. Check out our latest AFH News post for an update on what’s changed and how to get the most out of this new platform. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | The AFH Council is Hiring! |
| The Council is hiring! We have two open positions for an Advocacy Coordinator and an Education & Support Specialist role to expand our team. Check out the job descriptions on our Member News page and spread the word! |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Summer 2024 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 Summer 2024 session here. The recording can also be viewed at this link. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Free COVID-19 Tests Returning This Fall |
| Health and Human Services are now distributing free CVOID-19 tests this fall. This is a great benefit for adult family homes to cut out of pocket costs while providing a safer environment for residents. Each home who submits an order request will have four tests delivered to the address they provide. More information: Click here for a list of all testing products that have had extended expiration dates, sorted by brand and product. Subscribe to emails from the Office of Immunization to receive the latest updates.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Adjustments to Paid Claims in ProviderOne |
| DSHS is in the process of making adjustments to some paid claims in ProviderOne where incorrect resident participation (client responsibility-CR) amounts may have been deducted from paid claims. The expected outcome for most of the adjusted claims will be additional monies paid to the provider. However, some of the adjustments will be neutral and a few may result in a provider overpayment. Monitor your authorization list and confirm the participation amount is correct for each resident. If the amount of participation is different than you are expecting, contact your case manager. Read our Member News post for more information. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Stay Alert for COVID-19 Symptoms in Your AFH |
| The fall season is notorious for increasing cases of cold, flu, and COVID-19. As respiratory viruses spread in the community, the risk of spread in long-term care environments also increases. While we prepare for the season change, it’s important to stay alert for symptoms to prevent and slow virus spreading. Learn more about what to look out for with COVID-19 to keep your residents and your staff safe in our Members News post from Pim Savvy. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Some AFHs May be Required to File a BOI Report |
| If your AFH operates under an LLC, Corp., or Inc. business structure, you may be required to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The report is free to file and deadlines vary based on when your business was publicly created or registered. Get info on how to stay in compliance at our Member News post: |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ESSB 5271 and its Impact on AFHs |
| The recent legislative changes enacted by Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5271 (ESSB 5271) and regulations detailed in WAC 246-338 may have implications for adult family homes. If a complaint is made against a home related to medical testing conducted at the AFH, DOH surveyors would undertake the investigation when residents have been identified as in “immediate jeopardy.” |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | New Changes to PACE Payments |
| As of July 1, 2024, PACE payments will be sent from Providence ElderPlace/PACE instead of Providence Health & Services. Your first payment will be paid via paper check. After receiving this check, you can sign up for electronic payments. Check the status of your payment and get the recorded training session at our Member News post: |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Your Input Needed: AFH Worker Safety Training |
| The Adult Family Home Worker Safety Awareness Program E-Course will be evaluated and revised by PIM Savvy in partnership with the Adult Family Home (AFH) Council and the Long-Term Care Foundation of Washington State to ensure the materials provided are relevant, accurate and up to date. Your unique insights — both positive and negative —are crucial to help us understand your educational needs, challenges and experiences specific to Adult Family Homes as we review changes. All survey responses will remain anonymous and confidential unless you choose to provide your name and email address. Please take about 10 minutes to help us create relevant and informative training: |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NEW: Request a Membership Badge! |
| It’s okay to brag. Let everyone know you’re backed by the most trusted AFH advocates with a membership badge! Your personalized badge will prominently display the name of your home and can be used on your website and promotions. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  | Watch for Core Provider Agreement Emails |
| As the Health Care Authority (HCA) processes your Core Provider Agreement (CPA) application, we will contact you by email if more information is needed. It is important to take action if you get an email like this.
Read our Member News post for more information on office hours for support with completing the Core Provider Agreement and rapid response meetings.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | New Increases to Medicaid Rates! |
| Effective July 1st, 2024, Medicaid rates for adult family homes will be increasing. The rate change will vary depending on the classification level, AFH specialty contract, and the county of the home. Rate increases should take place automatically. However, every time we experience a rate change, there are errors that occur. Please review your current rates and monitor the changes to ensure you are getting paid accurately. There are some common causes of these errors that may impact your residents. All rate changes can be found at the link below: |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | New HCA Applicant Online Exam
Scheduling & Payment Process |
| Effective February 29, 2024 |
| Beginning February 29, 2024, Prometric, the Department of Health (department) exam vendor for the home care aide profession, launches their new Online Candidate Portal allowing HCA applicants to self-schedule and self-pay for the home care aide examinations. Once your Home care aide application is processed by the department, you will receive an email from Prometric with directions on setting up your profile on the candidate portal and for resetting the password. The department no longer accepts exam fee payments. Candidates now pay exam fees directly to Prometric through the Candidate Portal when scheduling exams. Please read our Member News post for more information on how payments will be accepted moving forward and for links to support resources. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | WAC Update: Commercial and Professional Liability Insurance Requirements |
| During the quarterly RCS-AFH Provider Forum on November 15th, Colleen Jensen, the RCS AFH Policy Program Manager, shared that there is a new requirement for AFHs to have both commercial and professional liability insurance. This is not a new requirement. The requirement for AFHs to have both professional and commercial liability insurance has been in place for years, however, the WACs were just updated in August, 2023 to clarify this requirement. You are required to have liability insurance that covers the business (commercial) AND you and your staff (professional). Professional liability insurance is required for all caregiver types, regardless of the credential. This includes HCA, CNA, LPN, RN or ARNP, etc. Most insurance companies that provide liability insurance to AFHs are aware of these requirements. We suggest reviewing your policy or contacting your insurance company to ensure you have a policy that meets the regulatory requirements. Check out the member news post to review the new WACs: |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provider Responsibilities for Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Respiratory Protection Program (RPP), and Changes to Department of Health RPP Resources |
| A Dear Provider Letter dated 9/14/2023 was issued to give information on provider responsibilities related to: Provision of PPE in Long-term care (LTC) settings. Employer responsibilities for respiratory protection and RPP. Changes to the Department of Health (DOH) RPP resources and support.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HCA & NA-C Training and Certification Deadlines
(Updated 9/1/2023) |
|
 |
|
AFH Web-Based License Application |
|
On August 28, 2023, Residential Care Services (RCS) will implement a new web-based Adult Family Home (AFH) license application that includes secure online payment. This modern platform will allow applicants to complete the AFH license application online, upload supporting documents with their application, and edit their application once submitted. The web-based application will be used for all AFH license applications, including Initial, Change of Ownership and Relocation. As of October 1, 2023, Residential Care Services Business Analysis and Applications Unit (BAAU) will no longer accept paper applications. The BAAU will only accept online applications. New Form:
As part of the new process, applicants will sign a new attestation form (DSHS 27-223) confirming the AFH has the required policies and procedures in place. Applicants will continue to provide their Disclosure of Services form (DSHS 10-508) and will upload it with their application. Click here to read the Dear Provider Letter. |
|
|
|
Medical Test Site Waiver Regulatory Requirements |
|
As of July 1, 2023 RCS Licensors will be looking to see if you have a Medical Test Site Waiver if you are doing any medical testing for your residents. Certain types of medical testing require a state Medical Test Site Waiver (MTSW) license. One type of activity requiring a MTSW license is testing residents for COVID-19. Other types of medical testing requiring a MTSW license include, but are not limited to, blood glucose tests and urine tests. This letter explains federal and Washington state MTSW licensure requirements and how to decide if the medical tests conducted in your facility require a MTSW license. This requirement is also covered in our recent November Statewide Chapter Meeting. Watch the recording (26:53) if you want tips on common issues to avoid! |
|
|
|
|
Stay Up-To-Date with Our Upcoming Events and Webinars! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P: 1.360.754.3329 | F: 1.360.943.6653 | T: 1.888.439.8999 3309 Capitol Blvd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 |
|
|
