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| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES December 19th, 2025 |
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| | Executive Director Message |
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| | Dear Friends – A few items to share as we celebrate family, friends, loved ones, our members and all those who work and reside in our state’s outstanding Adult Family Homes.
This past week of holiday celebrations throughout our State was tempered by the onset of regional flooding and its impacts to our members. From Auburn and Pacific, to Leavenworth and Everson, some of our fellow adult family home providers have weathered area evacuations to long term road closures. Council staff continues its outreach and remains available to assist members impacted by this calamity.
We continue to work collaboratively with King County and State Department of Commerce on energy savings rebate and other programs that benefit our members. In January the Energize – Adult Family Homes program kicks off for AFHs in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Applications open January 12, 2026, and there are two information sessions set for those interested: Information session #1: January 21st at 1:00pm Information session #2: February 5th at 6:30pm We will be sharing more information in our future newsletters and on our webpage for members to access these resources and opportunities to better serve residents, at a cost savings as well.
The AFHC board election process continues online through December into January, and we encourage all voting members to participate. The new team and I who arrived in mid-July 2025 have needed to work with systems that the Council has had in place while we assess and make essential operational changes long needed. One system change identified is the same online website voting system that the council has used for the past decade.
Bryon Dahl, AFHC Operations Director, who as many know had a similar role and worked with the council in 2020 and before, had this to share:
“There are no system glitches. The system always included the possibility of duplicates that were later managed and reconciled by staff in Excel using Conditional Formatting. The list of votes for candidates was always exported from Word Press where duplicate checks and regions could be verified. It is quite simple with “conditional formatting”. I went back and pulled election results for several years that confirm this. Also since Maria (Bryon’s wife) was the primary doing the elections prior to 2020, I was also able to confirm with her that this is most definitely how it was done since at least the 2017 election. “
The team and I have already tasked our website vendor Itirra with building a new system for future elections, accessible by members through their login process to our website, to address this issue. We look forward to sharing election, website, and other systemic updates in the coming year for the benefit of members.
Finally, although it may seem far away, 2026 is almost here! Thank you for remembering our mission daily as shown by the selfless work you and caregivers provide to our AFH residents across this great State of Washington. |
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| | | | Introducing the AFHC Learning Lab |
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| Practical learning for better care, better compliance, and better operations. |
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| Beginning in January, the Adult Family Home Council is proud to launch the AFHC Learning Lab, our new in-house education series for Adult Family Home providers. The Learning Lab was created in direct response to member feedback requesting clearer, more practical training to support the work you do every day. Each Learning Lab session is built around three core pillars of AFHC education, designed to support successful AFH practice. Through this series, we aim to help you: 1. Deliver high-quality care 2. Navigate rules confidently 3. Run your business well These pillars guide everything we teach and reflect the areas providers consistently tell us matter most. The Learning Lab will feature a robust lineup of webinars taught by AFHC’s in-house experts. Each month, providers can expect a content-rich regulatory webinar led by our Regulatory Support Director and our Member Support team, as well as a year-long marketing series presented by our Marketing & Communications Manager. Additional sessions will focus on strengthening business operations, navigating complex legal topics, and hiring and developing strong teams. The series will also include resident care topics such as nutrition, compassionate end-of-life planning, and meaningful daily activities that support resident well-being. The Learning Lab will also offer twice-monthly support webinars from both our Member Support team (Mornings With Member Support) and our Marketing team (Mornings With Marketing). These informal, conversational Q&A sessions are designed as open spaces where providers can bring real-world questions, talk through challenges, and receive practical guidance directly from AFHC’s in-house experts—on compliance, marketing, effective use of our AFHC Home Finder, day-to-day AFH operations, and much more. Every Learning Lab offering is intentionally designed to support our three pillars of education and reflect the depth of expertise across the AFHC team. We are genuinely excited to bring this new Learning Lab to life and to offer a comprehensive, useful learning experience throughout 2026. In addition to Learning Lab programming, the AFHC will continue to host webinars in collaboration with our trusted affiliate business partners and government agencies. These AFHC-hosted sessions offer providers access to specialized expertise, timely updates, and important information from external organizations that support Adult Family Home operations and compliance. Stay tuned for the full January Learning Lab schedule, including session topics and registration details. We look forward to learning with you. |
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| | HCA Certification Deadlines Extended |
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| Emergency rules to extend Home Care Aide (HCA) deadlines for certification were filed on August 25, 2025, by the Department of Health (DOH). EXTENSIONS TO HCA CERTIFICATION DEADLINES WSR 25-18-034 (CR-103E) extends the previous 200-day requirement to 365 days from the date of hire. Note, this does not change the requirement to complete the training within 120 days of being hired. This emergency rule is retroactive and extends until December 31, 2027. EXAMPLES FOR CLARIFICATION Applicant is within 200 days of the days of hire and currently pending certification. | The applicant’s certification timeline will be reset to 365 days by DOH. | The applicant and employer need to do nothing. The HCA/NAC deadline will be changed to 365 days from Date of Hire. | Applicant is over 365 days since the date of hire, and currently pending certification. | The applicant’s certification timeline may be reset to 365 days if you submit a new Employment Verification Form to the department with valid re-hire date. | The applicant has a PENDING application, and their original Date of Hire is over 365 days: An applicant that has been rehired needs to submit a new Employment Verification Form to the department with valid re-hire date. The applicant receives a NEW 365 days from the rehire date. NO NEW HCA APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. | Applicant is no longer able to work because they are over the original 200-day certification timeline and currently pending certification | The applicant’s certification timeline is reset to 365 days from the date of hire, so they may continue working. | An applicant that has a PENDING application with DOH with a date of hire greater than 200 will automatically have their deadline set (by DOH) to 365 days from the original date of hire and can return to work UP TO this new deadline.
An applicant that: Has a pending application with DOH with a date of hire greater than 200 has been terminated and is REHIRED
receives a NEW 365 days to get the HCA or NA certification if they submit a new Employment Verification Form to the department with valid re-hire date. NO NEW HCA/NA APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. | Applicant applies for certification on or before December 31, 2027, with a hire date on or before December 31, 2027. | Your certification timeline will be 365 days from your date of hire. | If the applicant has submitted a Home Care Aide application to DOH on or before December 31, 2027, with a hire date on or before December 31, 2027, the applicant receives 365 days from the Date of Hire to become HCA or NA certified. | Applicant applies for certification after December 31, 2027. | Your certification timeline will be 200 days from your date of hire. | If the applicant submits an HCA or NA application to DOH AFTER 12/31/2027, they receive 200 days from the Date of Hire regardless of what the Date of Hire may be. ** For example: An applicant that has a date of hire of 12/20/2027, but their HCA or NA application is submitted on 1/2/2028, has 200 days from 12/20/2027 to be HCA or NA certified. |
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| | | Residency Agreement Requirements |
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| WAC UPDATES EFFECTIVE 01/01/2026 WAC 388-76-10506 requires all Adult Family Homes to provide information to residents upon admission about their right to legal aid if served with a Notice of Transfer and Discharge. WHAT’S HAPPENING? Effective January 1, 2026, all residency agreements must be updated and include the following language: [AFH name] agrees to comply with the long-term care residents’ rights statute transfer and discharge requirements pursuant to RCW 70.129. Subject to legislative appropriation [resident name] has a right to a free lawyer to help you in response to a notice of transfer or discharge. If you want a free lawyer to help you, you must call the long-term care discharge defense screening line at (888) 437-0017. [Resident/Representative] Signature _______________________ [Date] __________ [AFH Name] Signature____________________________________ [Date] __________ Note: Please make sure you replace all items in brackets as indicated, including the name of your AFH and the resident’s name. WHAT ARE NEXT STEPS? All Adult Family Homes must update their residency agreements with all residents with Medicaid as a payor source to include this language effective January 1, 2026. If a resident whose payor status changes from Medicaid to private pay, a new residency agreement is required if the resident’s payor status returns to Medicaid. QUESTIONS? Member Support is available to assist with these new requirements. You can contact us at info@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org. |
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| | | Discharge Notice Requirements |
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| WAC UPDATES EFFECTIVE 01/01/2026 WAC 388-76-10616 requires all Adult Family Homes to provide information to residents about their right to legal aid if served with a Notice of Transfer and Discharge. WHAT’S HAPPENING? Effective January 1, 2026, when issuing a Notice of Transfer and Discharge to a resident, the updated DSHS Notice of Transfer and Discharge form (15-458) must be used. The updated form will include information about free legal aid available to residents whose payor source is Medicaid. The updated form will be available starting January 1, 2026. WHAT ARE NEXT STEPS? Once a Notice of Transfer and Discharge has been issued to a resident, the Adult Family Home must provide a copy of the notice to the resident and/or their representative, in addition to their Case Manager and the State Long-term Care (LTC) Ombuds. To submit copies of the Notice of Transfer and Discharge to the Ombuds, this may be sent via fax or email at the contact information below: QUESTIONS? DSHS will be issuing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet to providers prior to the end of the year. If there are questions for the LTC Ombuds about this process, you may contact them using the information below: Member Support is also available to assist with these new requirements. You can contact us at info@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org. |
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| | | | | Dear Provider Letters are notices sent from the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration regarding updates for AFH providers about policies, WAC changes, best practice guidance, and more. Get information on important new Dear Provider Letters published in December below. |
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| A Message from Member Support |
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| Season’s Greetings to all our Adult Family Home Council members from the Member Support team! As we look back on this past year, we want to thank you for the chance to support you in the important work of caring for Washington’s residents. Your dedication, kindness, and hard work inspire us every day. Looking Back at 2025 The past five months have been an especially active period for our team, reflecting the growing number of providers reaching out for guidance and support. During this time, we worked with 976 Adult Family Home providers, a 28% increase from the previous five months, and responded to 2,975 member questions, a 44% increase in inquiries. This surge highlights not only the complexity of the issues AFH providers navigate, but also the trust you place in the Council as your first call for clear information, regulatory guidance, and problem-solving support. Looking Ahead to 2026 As we look ahead to a new year, we encourage all members to take a moment to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date contact information for reaching the Council. Having the correct email addresses, phone numbers, and support links on hand helps you get timely, accurate responses when you need assistance. To make sure your questions reach us as quickly as possible, please use one of the following primary contact methods: If you reach us by phone while we are assisting other members, please leave a voicemail with your name, the best phone number to reach you, and your license number. With our high call volume, we rely on your voicemail to know you need a call back. We want you to know that we care deeply about supporting you and offering assistance that helps you in a meaningful way. We are committed to being timely and responsive when you email, use our online support form, or leave a message.YYou can trust that when you reach out, we will do our best to guide you with care. Warm Wishes for the Season It is our pleasure to work with you every day. Your kind hearts and generous spirits are truly inspiring. We wish you meaningful and joyful celebrations this holiday season—and a bright start to 2026. Warmly,
Kris & Maleia |
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| | | Closing the Year Strong—Together |
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| As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for your continued support, trust, and commitment to the Adult Family Home Council. This year has been one of connection, growth, and renewed momentum—and none of it would be possible without our dedicated members. Together, we celebrated a highly successful Fall Conference, spent meaningful time visiting chapter meetings across the state, and expanded education opportunities designed to support you in the important work you do every day. These moments reminded us just how strong and resilient this community is, and how powerful it can be when providers come together to learn, advocate, and support one another. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this progress and implement new strategies in the coming year that continue to put members first—strengthening resources, expanding education, and deepening advocacy efforts on your behalf. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you, for sharing your voices, and for the care you provide to residents and families throughout Washington. Wishing you a restful holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and time with those you love. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead. |
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| | | Seasonal Office Schedule Update |
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| Our office will be closing at noon on Christmas Eve in observance of the Christmas holiday, and will reopen at 8 am on December 29. Our office will also be closed on Thursday and Friday January 1 and 2, 2026, and reopen at 8 am on January 5, 2026. A very Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and the best of the New Year’s to each and all of our incredible AFHC Members across the state serving and protecting vulnerable adults in their outstanding Adult Family Homes! |
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| AFHC Trainings and Events |
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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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