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 | RCS Staff Mask Wearing and Related Procedures During the 2024-2025 Respiratory Illness Season
September 16, 2024 |
| This Dear Provider Letter explains procedures related to RCS staff wearing masks during visits in long-term care settings. Read the letter here. |
| HCS Individual Integrated Setting Checklist for Residential Providers Resource
September 4, 2024 |
| This Dear Provider Letter announces the release of a new Individual Integrated Setting Checklist for Residential Providers. This optional checklist is a tool designed to assist with meeting a selection of the requirements outlined in the HCBS rule in the Code of Federal Regulations. Read the letter here. |
| Personal Care Services Survey
Aug 2, 2024 |
| This Dear Provider Letter shares details about an interview survey that may be conducted with some Medicaid residents. The interview is not based on the care provided in the AFH, but on the services they are receiving from the state. Read the letter here. |
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 | AFH Council Office Closure From Sept. 25-27 |
| Our office will be closed from Wednesday, September 25 through Friday, September 27 for our annual Fall Conference. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone who registered. If you were not able to register, please note we are not able to accept walk-ins but we invite you to join us next year! |
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 | Adjustments to Paid Claims in ProviderOne and Weekend Outage |
| 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. Planned ProviderOne Outage: The ProviderOne system will be unavailable from 5 a.m. (PDT) Saturday, September 21 until 9 a.m. (PDT) Sunday, September 22 (28 hours) due to scheduled maintenance. Please report any issues to: mmishelp@hca.wa.gov |
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 | 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. |
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 | September Statewide Chapter Meeting Recap |
| Our Statewide Chapter Meeting is a monthly virtual call for providers and affiliate business partners. If you missed this month’s meeting, you can still get the updates we shared by watching the recording! |
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 | Free COVID-19 Tests Returning This Fall |
| Health and Human Services will be 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. Up to four tests will be available per home, with ordering beginning at the end of September 2024. 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.
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 | 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: |
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 | Upcoming Candidate Forums!
September 19 — October 25 |
| Have lunch with your 2024 election candidates during the Adult Family Home Council’s candidate forums! We will host a series of these forums through our regional chapter meetings from September 19 through October 25. These meetings will offer opportunities to voice your concerns, build rapport and learn more about the candidates’ plans if they are to be elected. Read our Member News post for specific dates and times! |
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 | 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.” |
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 | 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: |
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 | 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: |
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 | 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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| 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. |
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|  | 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.
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 | PSE Public Safety Power Shutoff |
| Puget Sound Energy will be implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff program, which will temporarily shut off power lines during extreme weather conditions to prevent wildfires. Get more information on the program, how to prepare, and how to apply for Life Support status if you or your residents depend on life support equipment. |
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 | 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: |
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 | 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. |
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 | 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: |
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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.
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HCA & NA-C Training and Certification Deadlines
(Updated 9/1/2023) |
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AFH Web-Based License Application |
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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. |
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Medical Test Site Waiver Regulatory Requirements |
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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! |
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Stay Up-To-Date with Our Upcoming Events and Webinars! |
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P: 1.360.754.3329 | F: 1.360.943.6653 | T: 1.888.439.8999 3309 Capitol Blvd. SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 |
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