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AFH COUNCIL UPDATES

August 29th, 2025

Message From Executive Director

Happy Friday AFHC Friends!

My phrase of today and for the month of August as we finish

it is – Thank you! It goes out with great heart to:

Every single member and non-member who welcomed me and our board and staff team so meaningfully to chapter meetings across our State this past month. We’ve visited every single one, and are restarting our Bellevue chapter and looking at interest in two new chapters!

Every staff team member at the AFHC – we are all new to our roles, and your dedication, commitment, and willingness to support our members has shown no bounds !

Every dedicated board member who has so meaningfully shared their support of our new team, and

All of you reading this – your kindness, excitement, and patience with our new AFHC team has been so inspiring and appreciated.

It is just like the welcome we share with each new potential and actual resident – your welcome inspires our team to do better every day in serving our membership and its needs. Thank you to each and all – and welcome SEPTEMBER and our upcoming Fall Conference! See you there!

-Bob

Office Closed for Labor Day

In observance of Labor Day, our office will be closed on Monday, September 1st. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends. This is a great time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of all those in our community who contribute every day. We look forward to reconnecting with you when we reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd!

Only 27 Days Until Fall Conference!

We’re just 27 days away from our Annual Fall Conference, and the countdown is on!

If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, now is the time. Registration is open, and spots are filling fast—make sure you don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge with providers from across the state.

Our vendor booths are officially sold out, but you can still join the waitlist in case space becomes available. Vendors who are already registered can expect an email next week with detailed expectations and event information.

All the details you need for lodging and registration are available on our website—check it out today and secure your spot at this year’s event!

Hotel Information

DSHS Dementia Level 2 Specialty – Instructor Classes

DSHS is now offering Dementia Level 2 Specialty – a hands-on course for caregivers to build confidence, compassion, and connection when supporting people with dementia. Learn person-centered care, behavior management, and caregiver wellness strategies.

Who Can Attend: Instructors already approved for Dementia Level 1 Specialty.

Upcoming Classes (Virtual & In-Person):

09/03 – Virtual, Theresa Allyn

09/04 – Virtual, Theresa Allyn

09/17 – Virtual, Jessika Wood

09/24 – Seattle, Dave & Carol Foltz

09/26 – Tacoma, Dave & Carol Foltz

10/02 – Virtual, Jessika Wood

10/06 & 10/07 – Virtual, Theresa Allyn

10/29 & 10/30 – Virtual, Theresa Allyn

Emergency Extension for Home Care Aide Certification

The Washington State Department of Health has adopted emergency rules, authorized by Senate Bill 5672 (2025), to extend the certification timeline for long-term care workers. Home care aide applicants now have 365 days from their hire date to complete certification, or 425 days if applying for provisional certification.

These rules, effective August 25, 2025, apply retroactively to individuals currently pending certification and will remain in place until December 31, 2027. For example, if you were hired on February 6, 2025, you now have until February 6, 2026, to complete your certification. If your original 200-day deadline has already passed, your timeline may be reset to 365 days by submitting a new Employment Verification Form with a valid re-hire date. After December 31, 2027, the standard 200-day requirement will return.

Dear Provider August Letters

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has adopted new permanent rules that strengthen protections for Medicaid residents in Adult Family Homes (AFH), Assisted Living Facilities (ALF), and Enhanced Services Facilities (ESF).

These rules, effective January 1, 2026, align with federal requirements for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and focus on residents’ rights during transfer and discharge.

Key changes include:

A signed residency agreement is now required for all Medicaid residents (current and future).

Residents must receive written notice before transfer or discharge, which includes information about legal resources and the right to free legal counsel (depending on funding).

Facilities must also send copies of transfer/discharge notices to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the resident’s DSHS case manager within 3 days.

To help providers understand these updates, Residential Care Services will hold three information sessions in September and October.

Tips for Handling State Inspections

We’ve received a lot of calls from providers asking about best practices for state inspections. Inspections can feel stressful and intimidating, but a little preparation can make the process smoother.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Stay calm. It helps both you and your staff navigate the inspection.
Get the inspector’s contact info. They should give you a business card at the door—if not, ask for one and keep it handy.

Answer only what’s asked. There’s no need to volunteer extra information.

Clarify citations. If told you’re in violation, ask which WAC applies.

Request correct forms. If a form or documentation is missing, ask the inspector for the proper form.

Ask about timing. Check when you can expect the inspection results.

Remember: Once the inspector leaves, you can review files calmly. You always have the right to ask questions and request clarification on WACs.

Click here to Read More

HCA Updates: Community Behavioral Health Support (CBHS) for Adult Family Home Providers

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently shared important updates for Adult Family Home (AFH) providers following the August 6 Quarterly Meeting. These updates focus on the Community Behavioral Health Support (CBHS) program and offer valuable resources to assist providers.

Highlights include:

CBHS Waivers: The program is authorized through a State Plan Amendment, renewed every five years, with the next renewal scheduled for April 2029.

Provider Registration & Guidance: Access video instructions and a detailed support guide for registering with ProviderOne.

Weekly Provider Support: HCA offers regular opportunities for AFH providers to ask questions and receive guidance:

Rapid Response: Mondays, 8:00–8:30 AM
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30–3:30 PM

Click here to Read More

New Rules for Adult Family Homes and Care Facilities Take Effect September 6

Starting September 6, 2025, new rules for Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Enhanced Services Facilities, and Nursing Homes go into effect. These changes implement Substitute House Bill 1218 (2021) and focus on communication within facilities, including interactions with residents, families, ombuds, and emergency assistance entities.

Residential Care Services is hosting drop-in Q&A sessions for each setting type to help providers and administrators understand the new rules. No registration is required, and anyone with questions about the rules is welcome to attend.

These sessions are a great opportunity to get your questions answered directly by Residential Care Services staff and ensure your facility is ready for the changes.

The Adult Family Home session will be held Monday, September 8, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Click here to Read More

We’re excited to invite all Adult Family Home owners to a special opportunity to connect with Home and Community Services (HCS) leadership. Deputy Director of Field Operations and Regional Administrators will be on hand to share updates, provide education, and discuss topics that matter most to providers.

This event is a chance to strengthen communication, ask questions, and work together toward our shared goal of providing high-quality long-term care for Washington’s most vulnerable residents.

Click here to Read More

AFHC Trainings and Events

HCA Training to Complete the ProviderOne Application –09/02/2025 2:30PM-3:30PM

Managing Burnout: Professional Stress and Its Implications– 09/03/2025 9:00AM-10:AM

AFHC State Wide Chapter Meeting–09/04/2025 10:00AM-11:00AM

HCLA Drop-In Session: House Bill 1218 and New Communication Rules -09/08/2025 12:00 PM-1:00PM

DSHS HCS & AFH Providers Quarterly Connections Meeting–09/09/2025 10:00 AM-11:30PM

Kent Chapter Meeting–09/12/2025 11:30AM-2:30PM

Stay Up-To-Date with Our Upcoming Events and Webinars!

Events Page

Looking for Education Opportunities?

Check Out Our Events Page

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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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Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.

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AFH COUNCIL UPDATES

August 29th, 2025

Office Closed for Labor Day

Only 27 Days Until Fall Conference!

DSHS Dementia Level 2 Specialty – Instructor Classes

Emergency Extension for Home Care Aide Certification

Dear Provider August Letters

Tips for Handling State Inspections

HCA Updates: Community Behavioral Health Support (CBHS) for Adult Family Home Providers

New Rules for Adult Family Homes and Care Facilities Take Effect September 6

HCA Training to Complete the ProviderOne Application –09/02/2025 2:30PM-3:30PM

Managing Burnout: Professional Stress and Its Implications– 09/03/2025 9:00AM-10:AM

AFHC State Wide Chapter Meeting–09/04/2025 10:00AM-11:00AM

HCLA Drop-In Session: House Bill 1218 and New Communication Rules -09/08/2025 12:00 PM-1:00PM

DSHS HCS & AFH Providers Quarterly Connections Meeting–09/09/2025 10:00 AM-11:30PM

Kent Chapter Meeting–09/12/2025 11:30AM-2:30PM

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