| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES April 10th, 2026 |
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| | | | Executive Director Message |
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| | Dear Adult Family Home Providers, I’m excited to announce that registration is officially open for our 2026 Spring Conference: In Good Hands — Advocacy & Guidance You Need to Thrive. This year’s conference is all about centering your experience, your priorities, and your leadership in the conversations that shape our field. Over the past year, you’ve told us clearly that the Council must listen more closely to members and create more direct opportunities for meaningful dialogue. We agree. This conference is designed as one full day where providers are in the driver’s seat, raising concerns, proposing solutions, and helping us set a course for the year ahead. CBA negotiations officially begin in mid-May, and decisions made at that table will affect your compensation, working conditions, and ability to provide high-quality, sustainable care. We want your input before we walk into those discussions: What does fair compensation look like for the level of responsibility you carry every day? What communication from the department would truly support your business operations? What new programs or incentives would strengthen quality of care and provider support in real, practical ways? The feedback you share at this conference will directly shape our advocacy agenda, legislative strategy, and CBA negotiation priorities for 2026 and beyond. When you attend, you are not just receiving information, you are helping write the roadmap for the future of Adult Family Homes in Washington. The 2026 Spring Conference is intentionally structured to balance critical updates with engaging, hands-on learning and real-time discussion. From the opening session through the final panel, you’ll have multiple chances to ask questions, offer feedback, and connect directly with Council staff and leadership. You’ll also receive practical tools you can bring home and apply immediately, whether it’s strengthening compliance practices, easing administrative burden, supporting your team, or engaging more confidently in advocacy. Our morning will begin with “Wheel of Compliance: Spin into Success,” an interactive three-part session that turns key regulatory updates and common compliance issues into something approachable and actionable. Later in the morning, “Thriving as a Leader: How to Take Care of Yourself and Your Team” will focus on the human side of running an Adult Family Home, exploring how to lead with clarity and emotional stability, communicate more effectively, and build a supportive, structured environment that reduces burnout. In the afternoon, I’ll be joining our Advocacy Assistant, Suaad Laari, to lead “The Power of Participation: Your Voice in Policy and Collective Bargaining,” where we will unpack how legislative and collective bargaining processes work, explain how these systems directly impact your daily reality, and show you concrete ways to get involved through a live poll and interactive quiz. We also know your time away from your home is valuable, and we want every minute to count. In addition to educational sessions, you’ll have opportunities to connect with vendors, network with fellow providers, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch so you can focus on learning and connection. All attendees will be entered for a chance to win prizes, including a new tablet and a Council-organized legislative tour experience, opportunities that can enhance your work and deepen your understanding of the policy landscape that affects your home. Your presence matters. Your experience matters. Your voice matters. I invite you, and strongly encourage you, to register today, bring your questions and ideas, and join us in making 2026 the year Adult Family Home providers are truly heard. Amina Teouri Interim Executive Director |
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| | 2026 Spring Conference Registration is Now Open |
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| | Join us for the 2026 Spring Conference: In Good Hands — Advocacy & Guidance You Need to Thrive and connect directly with Council to share your input on the issues that matter most to your work and the residents you support. The conference will be held in Auburn, Spokane, and Vancouver, with opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with fellow providers. Seats are limited, don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. |
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| | | | | Leveling the playing field: Big Win for AFH Referrals |
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| We’re excited to share a major advocacy win that will improve how referrals are distributed across Adult Family Homes. As of April 1, 2026, Home and Community Services (HCS) now requires all case managers and Area Agencies on Aging to use Room and Care for Medicaid referrals. This change creates a more consistent and equitable process for providers. This means referrals will be more standardized, giving Adult Family Homes more equal access to placement opportunities. To take full advantage of this change, providers should stay active in the system by keeping profiles up to date, checking for new referrals regularly, and responding quickly to opportunities. |
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| | | Social Leave feedback Sessions for Adult Family Homes |
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| The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is inviting Adult Family Home providers, advocates, and community members to share feedback on the use of Social Leave for Medicaid clients living in AFHs. This is an opportunity to help shape how Social Leave is implemented and ensure provider perspectives are heard. Upcoming sessions for providers: May 14, 2026 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM June 1, 2026 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration by April 30 is encouraged, but you may sign up anytime before your session. |
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| | | | Critical Incidents – Medication Errors Rulemaking Update |
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| The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has paused work on the proposed “Critical Incidents–Medication Errors” rulemaking, which was initiated in January 2026 as part of efforts to align with federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements under the Access Rule. At this time, Home and Community Based Settings, including Adult Family Homes, should continue following current reporting requirements. For questions, providers can contact rcspolicy@dshs.wa.gov. |
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| | | LTC Ombudsman Program Roster Update |
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| The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) has released an updated staff roster and is currently navigating a period of transition, including several recent retirements. As part of this transition, regional coverage has been adjusted, with Snohomish County and the Northern Counties (San Juan, Whatcom, Island, and Skagit) now combined into a single region. The updated roster includes current contact information for state and regional ombuds, along with the counties they serve, helping providers connect more easily with the appropriate representatives. Providers are encouraged to review the updated directory to stay informed and ensure they are reaching the correct contacts. Access the directory at the link below. |
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| | | | | Update: Clearinghouse Update & Provider Support |
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| We recognize that many providers have experienced challenges with the new clearinghouse system, and we want you to know your concerns are being heard. The Council is actively working with the Health Care Authority to address key issues, including confusion around NPI entry, modifier selection, billing accuracy, and claim processing. We are also seeking clarification on how claims are matched to the correct provider location to ensure accurate payments. Your feedback has been essential in identifying these challenges and pushing for clearer guidance and system improvements. Additional clearinghouse training sessions have been scheduled throughout April to support providers during this transition. If you’ve had difficulty accessing past trainings, we are also exploring ways to make sessions more accessible through the Council’s platform. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities and continue sharing your experience with us. |
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| | Get Registered! Upcoming Webinars |
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| | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
April 13 | 1:00PM – 2:00PM |
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| The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has launched a new Adult Family Home Clearinghouse designed to simplify how AFHs work with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. This training will guide providers through how the system works and how to submit claims for CBHS and IBSS services. Participants will learn how to register for and use the online clearinghouse system, review and submit claims correctly, and ensure claims are complete before sending them to the health plan or HCA for payment. The session will also cover provider enrollment, Medicaid billing guidelines under the CBHS program, and common troubleshooting questions to help providers navigate the new process with confidence. No CEU will be offered. |
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| | Complaint Investigations in AFHs
April 14 | 2:00PM – 3:00PM |
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| This session provides Adult Family Home providers with a detailed overview of the complaint investigation process, including the upcoming Facility Reported Incident (FRI) pilot process. Participants will learn about the different types of intakes, including public complainants and FRIs, response timelines, and how referrals are handled. The training will walk through the investigative process step by step, including public complainant interviews, alleged victim (AV) interviews, alleged perpetrator (AP) interviews, collateral contacts, exit conferences, and potential outcomes. By clarifying how investigations are initiated, conducted, and concluded, this session helps providers better understand expectations and investigative procedures. 1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend. |
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| | Substance Use and Co- Occurring Disorders
April 15 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM |
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| The training course focuses on an introduction to substance use and substance use disorders, in addition to co-occurring conditions that affect people in long-term care. 1.0 CEU available to all who attend. |
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| | | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
April 16 | 1:30AM- 2:30PM
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| The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has launched a new Adult Family Home Clearinghouse designed to simplify how AFHs work with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. This training will guide providers through how the system works and how to submit claims for CBHS and IBSS services. Participants will learn how to register for and use the online clearinghouse system, review and submit claims correctly, and ensure claims are complete before sending them to the health plan or HCA for payment. The session will also cover provider enrollment, Medicaid billing guidelines under the CBHS program, and common troubleshooting questions to help providers navigate the new process with confidence. No CEU will be offered. |
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| | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
April 15 | 11:00AM- 12:00PM
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| The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has launched a new Adult Family Home Clearinghouse designed to simplify how AFHs work with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. This training will guide providers through how the system works and how to submit claims for CBHS and IBSS services. Participants will learn how to register for and use the online clearinghouse system, review and submit claims correctly, and ensure claims are complete before sending them to the health plan or HCA for payment. The session will also cover provider enrollment, Medicaid billing guidelines under the CBHS program, and common troubleshooting questions to help providers navigate the new process with confidence. No CEU will be offered. |
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| | | Upcoming Chapter Meetings |
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| | | Lacey Chapter Meeting
April 15 | 11:30AM – 1:30PMMyMedSupplies – Community Room 6149 Martin Way East, Lacey, WA 98516 |
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| Topic: Care plan creation & Daily Task Automation Presented by Blake Crockett, AI Ambassador for Long Term Care Industry / Entreneur, Co-Owner of LT-Linx Accurate care plans are the foundation of quality care and regulatory compliance in Adult Family Homes. In this combined training, participants will learn how to develop clear, individualized care plans that align with state requirements and truly reflect each resident’s needs. The session will then demonstrate how structured systems can translate those care plans into organized, step-by-step daily task lists for caregivers. By connecting care planning with task automation, providers can improve consistency, reduce communication gaps, strengthen documentation, and enhance overall resident outcomes. This practical, systems-focused training is designed to help homeowners build confidence in both compliance and daily operational execution. 1.0 hours of CE available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | | Federal Way Chapter Meeting
April 16 | 12:30PM – 2:30PMCalvary Covenant Church 700 SW 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98023 |
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| Topic: Care plan creation & Daily Task Automation Presented by Blake Crockett, AI Ambassador for Long Term Care Industry / Entreneur, Co-Owner of LT-Linx Accurate care plans are the foundation of quality care and regulatory compliance in Adult Family Homes. In this combined training, participants will learn how to develop clear, individualized care plans that align with state requirements and truly reflect each resident’s needs. The session will then demonstrate how structured systems can translate those care plans into organized, step-by-step daily task lists for caregivers. By connecting care planning with task automation, providers can improve consistency, reduce communication gaps, strengthen documentation, and enhance overall resident outcomes. This practical, systems-focused training is designed to help homeowners build confidence in both compliance and daily operational execution. 1.0 hours of CE available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | AFH Council Online Campus Registration |
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| | As a member of the Adult Family Home Council, you and two staff members can access on-demand Continuing Education Units through our Online Campus, powered by Cornerstone Healthcare Training. This training platform is free with your membership and offers self-paced, mobile-friendly courses designed specifically for Adult Family Home providers. Members benefit from exclusive course offerings, a quick and easy registration process, and expert support when needed. Use the button below to request your registration and start exploring the Online Campus today. |
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| | | Interested in Presenting or Sponsoring? |
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| | The Adult Family Home Council is planning upcoming chapter meetings, webinars, and conferences. We invite affiliate business partners and experienced AFH providers to take part as education presenters or chapter meeting lunch sponsors. We welcome provider-focused presentation topics that offer practical guidance for AFH owners. Experienced providers are encouraged to share successful practices from real AFH settings and may present independently or in collaboration with Council staff. Interested in presenting or sponsoring? Complete our brief interest form to share your topic ideas and availability. |
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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 Ste 1, Tumwater, WA 98501 |
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