|
|
 |
 |
|
 | 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.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | July Statewide Chapter Meeting Recap |
| If you missed our July Statewide Chapter meeting, you can still get the updates we shared by watching the recording! This month, we covered exciting changes coming in our next state contract and general community updates. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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: |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Registration for our 2024 Fall Conference is Open! |
| We’re returning to the Tulalip Resort Casino for two days of fun, education opportunities, and great food for our 2024 Fall Conference in September! This year, we’ll hear from expert speakers on marketing your AFH, financing and retiring, crisis response, resident activities, and so much more. DSHS leadership will be in attendance and for the first time in Conference history, we have entertainment scheduled! Get registered and mark your calendars for this annual event that providers talk about year round! |
|  | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Submit a Nomination for the Exceptional Caregiver Award! |
| The nomination period for the 2024 Exceptional Caregiver award is now officially open! We urge all AFH providers, residents, their families, and colleagues to participate and nominate an outstanding caregiver. This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable dedication, compassion, and selflessness of caregivers who tirelessly support and care for adults in need. Nominees will be celebrated at a ceremony in September and the winner will be honored at our 2024 Fall Conference! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | This Election’s Impact on Your AFH |
| Washington’s Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug 6, 2024. This is yet another crucial election season where your votes can drastically affect the political climate for adult family homes. Read our Member News post to learn more about this election’s impact and how to make your voice heard. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Emergency Preparedness Considerations for Extreme Heat
July 25, 2024 |
| This Dear Provider Letter gives an overview of several strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on residents in long-term care settings. Read the letter here. |
| Notice of Public Power Safety Shutoffs
June 14, 2024 |
| This Dear Provider Letter covers the Washing State plan to launch strategic power outages to mitigate wildfires. Read the letter here. |
| Emergency Preparedness Considerations for Wildfire
June 14, 2024 |
| This Dear Provider Letter reviews steps to safeguard your residents during wildfire season. Read the letter here. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Exciting Updates in our 2024 Annual Report! |
| Get a recap of the fiscal year and a sneak-peek preview of what’s coming next in our 2024 Annual Report! This is an exciting time to be involved in the adult family home community and we are proud to demonstrate how we are upholding our mission to improve the lives and well-being of vulnerable adults through the support of adult family homes. The report was mailed out to all adult family homes licensed by June 30, 2024, but you can also read it online! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 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: |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | Upcoming Candidate Forums!
September 6 — 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 6 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! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | What to Know if You’re Going on Vacation |
| It’s that time of year where many of us are planning vacations with family and friends. Don’t forget to ensure residents will have continuity in their care during your planning! In your absence, you must have a qualified caregiver in your home and a designated individual to handle administrative tasks and emergencies. Having this support is crucial while you’re away. Read our Members News post for information on what you can do to continue the successful operation of your home during your vacation! |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
We’re Making Changes to Our Membership Subscriptions |
| As we approach the end of the fiscal year, we want to thank you for your membership. With your invaluable support, we’ve been able to halt HB 1859, implement several beneficial bills for AFHs, and start our collective bargaining negotiations from a strong position. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we want to let you know that we’re making updates to our membership payments. Please read our latest Member News post for more information on the changes that will be effective July 1, 2024. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  | 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 |
|
|
|
