| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES April 17th, 2026 |
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| | | | Executive Director Message |
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| | Dear Providers, This week’s newsletter highlights several opportunities to stay informed, share your voice, and help shape the future of Adult Family Homes in Washington. I’ve included a brief overview of each topic below, and I encourage you to read through each article for additional details and important information. First and foremost, please make sure to register for the AFH Council 2026 Spring Conference. This year’s conference is designed to center your voice, and your priorities in the conversations that shape our field. Registration for the Auburn conference will close on April 24, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible. The conference will also provide an important opportunity for providers to share input that will help guide our advocacy agenda, legislative strategy, and collective bargaining priorities for 2026 and beyond. We will be closing out the Conference with a Council Leadership Q&A forum. This is a valuable opportunity to engage directly with Council leadership, raise the issues that matter most to your home and your business, and help ensure your voice is part of the discussion. As a result, we encourage you to submit your questions in advance for the Q&A session. Separate from Spring Conference, we’ve heard from many of you that accessing the Adult Family Home Claims & Billing trainings hasn’t been easy. In response, we partnered with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and Community Health Partnership Services (CHPS) to bring these sessions directly onto the AFHC webinar platform. Hosting the trainings on the AFH Council platform is intended to make access easier for providers while offering practical guidance on the new Adult Family Home Clearinghouse, billing procedures, provider enrollment, and Medicaid billing requirements. Each session will also receive continuing education credit. Speaking of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), I want to highlight the ongoing SBS to ECS transition and the financial and operational impacts this change will have on affected homes. The Council continues to work with the state on this issue, and provider feedback remains essential to strengthening that effort. If your home has been affected, please contact me directly so we can better understand your experience and continue working toward appropriate solutions. In another separate matter, DSHS is seeking feedback on Social Leave for Medicaid clients living in Adult Family Homes. These sessions offer providers, advocates, and Council representatives an opportunity to help shape how Social Leave is implemented in a way that supports both residents and homes. There are two opportunities for Adult Family Home Providers to participate, May 14, 2026 from 9:00am-11:00am and June 1, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Please register as soon as possible to make your voice heard. Other than that, I look forward to seeing you all at this year’s spring conference. Thank you for your continued partnership and for the important work you do every day. Your voice, your experience, and your participation remain essential to the Council’s work Amina Teouri Interim Executive Director |
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| | 2026 Spring Conference Registration is Now Open |
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| | It’s time to make your voice heard and help shape the future for Adult Family Home providers. Join us for the 2026 Spring Conference: In Good Hands — Advocacy & Guidance You Need to Thrive, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with Council leadership, share your experiences, and influence the issues that matter most to your work and the residents you support. With CBA negotiations beginning in mid-May, your voice is especially important right now. This conference is your chance to speak up about what your business needs to thrive, from communication with the department to new programs and fair compensation. Throughout the day, you’ll hear important updates, gain practical tools, and take part in engaging discussions designed to support your success. You’ll also have time to network with fellow providers, connect with vendors, and enjoy lunch on us. And yes, there will be some fun along the way, including opportunities to win exciting prizes. The conference will be held in Auburn, Spokane, and Vancouver, making it easier for you to attend a location that works best for you. Registration for the Auburn conference closes April 24, 2026. Space is limited, and last year’s events sold out quickly be sure to secure your spot. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. Let’s make 2026 the year providers are truly heard. |
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| | | | AFHC Spring Conference Forum – Question Submission |
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| Have a Question for Council Leadership?The AFH Council is excited to host a Q&A session with Council Leadership, including the Interim Executive Director, Board Chair, and your regional representatives at the 2026 Spring Conferences. This is a great opportunity for members to connect directly with Council Leadership, ask questions, and share the issues that matter most to Adult Family Home providers. From council operations and board governance to the bigger challenges facing AFHs, this forum is designed to encourage open conversation, provide candid answers, and help members gain a clearer understanding of the Council’s direction and priorities. Please submit your questions by April 24, 2026. |
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| | | | Proposed Change to Your AFH Licensing Rules – What You Need to Know |
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| The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has filed proposed updates to Adult Family Home licensing rules (Chapter 388-76 WAC), now in the formal rulemaking phase. These changes may impact several areas of your operations, and providers are encouraged to review and share feedback. The proposed updates include changes to ombuds access and resident records, adjustments to licensing requirements for multiple-home providers, and new considerations for the physical environment, such as door width standards and approval for certain building modifications. There are also updates related to emergency preparedness and clarification around Plans of Correction (POCs). How to Share Your FeedbackProviders have two options to submit formal comments: Public Hearing
May 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM (virtual) Written Comments Deadline
Must be submitted by 5:00 PM on May 26, 2026
Email: DSHSRPAURulesCoodinator@dshs.wa.gov |
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| | | | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Trainings Now Available Through AFHC |
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| The Council has partnered with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and Community Health Partnership Services (CHPS) to bring Adult Family Home Claims & Billing trainings directly to the AFHC webinar platform. These are the same CHPS-led trainings, now easier to access with simplified registration through the Council. Participants will also receive 2.0 Continuing Education Credits. These sessions are designed to help providers better understand the new clearinghouse system, including how to register, submit claims for CBHS and IBSS services, complete enrollment, and navigate common billing challenges. Upcoming Training DatesMay 8 at 1:00 PM May 11 at 11:00 AM May 18 at 1:00 PM May 26 at 2:00 PM
We understand this transition has created challenges, and we appreciate the feedback you’ve shared. Offering these trainings through the AFHC platform is one way we’re working to better support you. |
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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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| | Get Registered! Upcoming Webinars |
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| AFH Employer’s Guide to Worker Rights
April 21 | 10:30AM – 12:00PM |
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| Join Brenda Fay, Outreach Representative with Washington State Labor & Industries, and Stephen Yim, Community Outreach & Resource Planning Specialist with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, for a practical, information-packed webinar designed to help Adult Family Home providers stay compliant and protect their business. This session will cover all the essentials employers need to understand, including Minimum Wage Act protections, tracking hours of work and required recordkeeping, overtime pay requirements, paid sick leave rules, employee protections from retaliation and discrimination, Minimum Wage Act exemptions, meal and rest break requirements, how the workplace rights complaint process works, and the key differences between federal and state requirements—including which ones apply to you. If you want clarity, confidence, and a clear roadmap for meeting both state and federal labor standards, this is a session you won’t want to miss. 1.5 CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend. |
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| | WA Cares for Providers
April 22 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM |
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| This training provides Adult Family Home providers with a clear overview of the WA Cares program and its implementation timeline leading up to benefit availability in July 2026. Participants will learn how the program works, which providers are eligible to register, and the minimum qualifications and requirements AFHs must meet to participate. The session will walk through the registration process, explain how beneficiaries will select approved providers, and outline what participation means for compliance, service delivery, and business planning. By the end of the training, providers will understand the practical steps needed to prepare for registration and position their homes to serve eligible clients within their communities. 1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend. |
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| | Mornings with Member Support
April 23 | 8:30AM – 9:30AM |
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| Join us on the second and fourth Thursday of each month for Mornings With Member Support, an open conversation space led by Maleia Press, AFHC’s Regulatory Support Director, together with our Member Support team. These informal Q&A sessions give Adult Family Home providers the opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity on regulatory requirements, and talk through real-world compliance scenarios with AFHC’s in-house experts. While the focus is on regulatory compliance and understanding both state and federal rules, no topic is off limits bring any question related to AFH operations, resident rights, documentation, surveys, or day-to-day challenges. Whether you’re navigating a complex situation, seeking guidance on best practices, or simply wanting reassurance that you’re on the right track, this twice-monthly space offers supportive, practical answers in a welcoming environment. |
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| | | Hiring and Employee Management 101: HR & Safety
April 23 | 1:00PM – 2:00PM |
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| Join us for the second webinar in our series “Hiring & Employee Management 101.” This session covers the foundations of human resources and workplace safety for small business operations, including key elements of employee handbooks and required state and federal safety practices. We’ll also explore strategies for effective communication and engagement, along with a clear breakdown of employee classification, including 1099 vs. W-2, how to determine the correct classification, risks of misclassification, and how to correct errors. 1.0CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend. |
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| | Listing and Managing Medicaid Vacancies
April 23 | 10:30AM- 12:00PM |
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| This training provides practical, step-by-step guidance on using the Room and Care application to list current Medicaid vacancies. Participants will learn how to create and manage listings, keep vacancy information accurate and up to date, and ensure their home appears in searches used by case managers and referral sources. The session will also cover common errors to avoid, best practices for maintaining listings, and how effective use of Room and Care can support timely placements and stable occupancy. 1.5 CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend. |
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| | | Upcoming Chapter Meetings |
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| | | Lakewood Chapter Meeting
April 21 | 2:00PM – 5:00PMApostolic Faith Church 5319 San Francisco Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 |
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| Topic: C.R.I.S.I.S: Working with Resistive/Combative Residents Presented by Jordan Drew, LPN, CDP, CPDC, Continuum Care Hospice & Shalom Hospice Kitsap This training addresses effective and appropriate approaches for working with residents who exhibit resistive or combative behaviors. Participants will learn preventative strategies to reduce agitation by identifying and responding to environmental, communication, and personal triggers. The session emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate documentation of observed behaviors and interventions, as well as appropriate steps for pursuing medical or pharmacological support when non-pharmacological interventions are not effective. Guidance is also provided on responding to physical altercations in a manner that prioritizes safety, protects all vulnerable adults involved, and supports compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements. 1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | | Yakima Chapter Meeting
April 22 | 1:00PM – 2:30PMThe Pub 5110 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908 |
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| Topic: TBA Presented by TBA Connect and grow with your community! Meet us in Yakima for free lunch, valuable networking opportunities with local providers and affiliates, and earn CE credits while gaining insights to boost efficiency in your AFH! 1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | | Tri-Cities Chapter Meeting
April 23 | 3:00PM – 5:00PMRichland Community Center 500 Amon Park Dr, Richman, WA 99352 |
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| Topic: Nurse Delegation and Medication Management Presented by Kathleen Daos, RN and Lydia Reading, RN, Empowering People This session provides an overview of Nurse Delegation requirements in Adult Family Homes, including the roles and responsibilities of licensed nurses and caregivers, and focuses on safe and compliant medication management practices within the AFH setting, including proper handling, administration, documentation, and oversight to support resident safety and regulatory compliance. 1.0 CEU 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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