| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES June 26th, 2026 |
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| | | | | | Executive Director Message |
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| Dear Adult Family Home Providers, On June 26, the state released its latest economic and revenue forecast, the official projection of how Washington’s economy is expected to perform and how much tax revenue the state anticipates collecting over the next several years. The results from the economic and revenue forecast show continued, though modest, economic growth and overall revenue increases, alongside softer growth in some traditional revenue sources and ongoing uncertainty in the broader economy. In other words, the numbers do not show that the state “has no money,” but they do give budget writers talking points to argue for caution and restraint. For adult family homes, this forecast matters because it will shape the environment for our collective bargaining agreement negotiations. We can expect the state to lean heavily on the slower growth in sales and real-estate-related revenues and the volatility in capital gains when they talk about limited capacity to improve rates and wages, even as your costs for staffing, food, supplies, insurance, and compliance remain high. Our role is to make sure the full picture is on the table: overall revenues are still increasing, adult family homes are a critical part of the long-term care system, and stable funding and fair caregiver compensation are essential commitments, not optional line items. This is where strong membership and engagement with the Adult Family Home Council are so important. When providers stand together, we bring data, real experience, and a unified voice into negotiations and legislative conversations. That collective strength is what allows us to push back when the story at the table doesn’t match the reality in your homes. As we continue to work through CBA negotiations, I want to invite you to two key opportunities to stay informed and involved: First, please plan to attend our Statewide Chapter Meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. We’ll provide updates on CBA negotiations along with other policies and regulatory issues affecting adult family homes. Second, please save the date for our annual Adult Family Home Council Fall Conference, taking place September 23–25 at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville. We look forward to seeing you there and will share registration details and agenda information soon. With appreciation, Amina Teouri Interim Executive Director Adult Family Home Council |
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| | Heat Pumps in Adult family Homes |
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| We know many of you are working hard to keep your residents safe and comfortable during this period of extreme heat. We wanted to share an important update about new funding that will soon be available to help adult family homes install heat pumps. The state has allocated funding through the Climate Commitment Account to support heat pump installations, and the Department of Commerce is establishing a statewide rebate and incentive program to help cover the cost of purchasing and installing high-efficiency heat pumps in adult family homes. Commerce is currently in the final stages of selecting the third-party administrators who will manage these rebate programs. Once the awards are finalized, the selected organizations will provide details on eligibility, rebate amounts, application requirements, and program timelines. While the program is not yet open, Commerce is very close to completing this process. We understand how important this funding is, especially during the current heat wave. As soon as the rebate program is ready, the Adult Family Home Council will share everything you need to know, including who is administering the program, when applications open, and how to apply for available funding. In the meantime, please know that we are closely monitoring this process and will continue to keep you informed as new information becomes available. Thank you for the exceptional care you provide to your residents every day, especially during these challenging summer conditions. |
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| | | Updates to Ch 388-76 WAC Rulemaking for Adult Family Home Regulations |
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| The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Residential Care Services (RCS), has initiated the rulemaking process to update Chapter 388-76 WAC, Adult Family Home Minimum Requirements. The proposed changes are intended to reduce barriers to licensure, clarify existing requirements, align regulations with current state law, and enhance resident safety. Several amendments are being considered, including updates to background check requirements, resident transfer and discharge notices, and emergency escape window requirements for newly licensed adult family homes. DSHS may also make additional revisions to improve the clarity and consistency of the rules. As part of the rulemaking process, DSHS is seeking feedback from adult family home providers and other stakeholders before any proposed rules are finalized. Two virtual stakeholder meetings have been scheduled for July 9 and July 28, providing providers with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and share their input. Because this rulemaking is still in its early stages, no changes have been adopted at this time. Providers are encouraged to stay informed, participate in the stakeholder meetings, and review the full article for additional details about the proposed amendments and opportunities to provide feedback. |
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| | | Cannabis Guidance for Adult Family Homes |
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| Residential Care Services (RCS) has reissued its cannabis guidance for Adult Family Homes after the original 2015 publication reached its administrative retention period. While the guidance does not introduce new requirements, it serves as a reminder of current expectations regarding resident cannabis use and the importance of having clear facility policies in place. Although cannabis is legal in Washington State for certain medical and recreational uses, it remains illegal under federal law. Because RCS receives federal funding, it cannot issue guidance that specifically supports cannabis use. However, RCS recognizes that some residents may legally obtain cannabis through licensed dispensaries and use it to help manage certain medical conditions. Providers are encouraged to develop or review written policies addressing cannabis use, even if it is not currently an issue in their home. Policies should address resident safety, secure storage, supervision when needed, and documentation of cannabis use in each resident’s Negotiated Service Agreement. RCS also reminds providers that state and federal cannabis laws continue to evolve. Adult family homes should stay informed of current requirements and regularly review their policies to ensure they reflect current guidance and support safe resident care. Read the full article for additional information and recommended best practices. |
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| | | DDA and HCS Quarterly Connection Meetings with Adult Family Homes Invitation |
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| The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Home and Community Services (HCS), in partnership with the Adult Family Home Council (AFHC), are inviting Adult Family Home providers to participate in the next Quarterly AFH Connection Meeting. These quarterly meetings provide an opportunity for providers to receive updates from state partners, learn about programs and services impacting adult family homes, and engage in conversations that strengthen communication and collaboration between providers, DDA, HCS, and AFHC. The upcoming meeting will focus on Community Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) transitions, Intensive Behavioral Support Services (IBSS), and other program updates. Providers will have the opportunity to learn more about current initiatives, available behavioral health supports, and important information affecting AFH operations. The meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Registration is open to all Adult Family Home owners. Read the full article for meeting details and registration information. |
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| | | Home Care Aide Certification Exam Test Site Options |
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| The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has announced additional testing options for non-union caregivers working toward Home Care Aide (HCA) certification. Caregivers who are eligible to complete their certification exam may now choose to test through Prometric or at one of the approved testing and training sites listed by DOH. DOH is also working to improve the online testing site search tool to make it easier for caregivers to find available locations. While those updates are underway, caregivers can use the current Excel spreadsheet and PDF resources provided by DOH to locate approved testing sites and available testing options. Caregivers who choose to test at an approved testing and training site must contact the testing program directly to schedule their exam. Appointments cannot be scheduled through DOH. Caregivers are also responsible for paying any required examination fees directly to the testing program where they complete their exam. This update applies to non-union caregivers seeking HCA certification. Caregivers who are members of the SEIU 775 Benefits Group should continue following their current process and schedule certification exams through Prometric unless otherwise instructed by their training program. Adult Family Home providers are encouraged to share this information with caregivers who are working toward certification. Additional testing options may provide more flexibility and help caregivers complete the certification process in a timely manner. |
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| | | | New Regulatory Authority for Nursing Assistants |
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| Beginning July 1, 2026, oversight of nursing assistants in Washington will transition from the Secretary of Health to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), as required by Senate Bill 5051. This change means that credentialing, discipline, and regulatory decisions for nursing assistants, including those working in adult family homes will now be managed by the same board that oversees registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). For adult family home providers, many day-to-day processes will remain the same. Nursing assistant applications, renewals, complaints, and credential verification will continue through the Department of Health’s HELMS Online System. Existing nursing assistant credentials will remain valid, and there is no new application, testing requirement, or fee associated with this transition. The primary change is who makes regulatory decisions behind these systems. Under WABON oversight, nursing assistants will be regulated within the same clinical framework as other nursing professionals. The Board’s membership will also expand to include two nursing assistant-certified members and an RN or LPN with experience as a nursing assistant educator, providing additional nursing assistant representation in regulatory discussions. Adult Family Home providers should be prepared for a continued focus on nursing assistant practice standards, particularly related to resident safety, abuse or neglect concerns, medication assistance, and following resident care plans. Providers are encouraged to review internal policies, employee handbooks, and training materials to ensure references to the Secretary of Health are updated to reflect WABON’s new role. Providers should also continue maintaining strong documentation practices for Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) and Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) staff, including orientation, ongoing training, coaching, performance feedback, and corrective actions when needed. Clear documentation and effective supervision remain important tools for supporting quality care and demonstrating compliance. |
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| | | NOW AVAILABLE: Updated Worker Safety Awareness Program |
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| The updated Adult Family Home Industry Worker Safety Awareness Program is now available! This free statewide training program has been redesigned to make workplace safety training more accessible, practical, and relevant for adult family home providers and caregivers. The updated e-Course helps providers and staff learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to common workplace hazards while supporting compliance with Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) safety requirements. The training is designed for today’s workforce and automatically adjusts to desktops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing learners to complete training at their own pace. The new program includes 43 interactive micro-modules, with each module taking 15 minutes or less to complete. The training covers important safety topics such as personal protective equipment (PPE), ergonomics, hazardous drugs, bloodborne pathogens, and other workplace hazards. Additional learning tools include quizzes, knowledge checks, interactive activities, optional modules, and educational resources available in multiple languages. Participants who complete the course and successfully pass all four quizzes will earn continuing education credits. The updated program is available to all learners, regardless of Adult Family Home Council membership status. Existing AFHC Partner Portal users can access the training using their current Cornerstone login, and new users may create an account to access the course. The updated Worker Safety Awareness Program was developed through funding and support from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Safety & Health Investment Projects (SHIP) program. Providers and caregivers are encouraged to take advantage of this resource to strengthen workplace safety practices, reduce injuries, and create safer environments for both staff and residents. |
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| | | SHIP Grant- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) |
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| Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the body’s immune system and can make it harder to fight infections. While there is currently no cure for HIV, treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows many people living with HIV to manage the condition and maintain a healthy quality of life. Adult family home providers and caregivers should understand HIV transmission, prevention, and safety practices to provide appropriate care for residents living with HIV. HIV is transmitted through direct contact with certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk from a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing dishes, touching, or being around someone living with HIV. Understanding how HIV is and is not transmitted can help reduce stigma and support safe, respectful care. Workplace safety practices are important when caring for residents with HIV or responding to potential exposure risks. Adult family home staff should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye and face protection, gowns, and resuscitation devices when there is potential contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). If a staff member experiences an exposure to blood or OPIM, they should immediately wash the affected area, report the exposure to a supervisor, and seek medical care as soon as possible. For potential HIV exposure, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can help reduce the chance of infection and should be started as soon as possible ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure. By understanding HIV prevention, treatment, and exposure response procedures, adult family home providers can help maintain a safe environment for both residents and caregivers while supporting quality, person-centered care. |
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| | | | SHIP Grant- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) |
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| Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a bloodborne infection that affects the liver and is one of the most common bloodborne infections in the United States. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C, effective treatment options are available. Adult family home providers and caregivers should understand how HCV is spread and the steps they can take to reduce exposure risks while caring for residents. HCV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, including exposure from contaminated needles, unsafe medical equipment, or sharing injection equipment. While less common, transmission can also occur through certain activities that involve blood exposure. Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, or other everyday interactions. Symptoms of Hepatitis C may include fatigue, fever, joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice. Some individuals may have mild symptoms, while others may develop long-term liver complications. Adult family home staff should continue following bloodborne pathogen safety practices, including using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, face protection, and protective clothing when there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. If an exposure occurs, staff should immediately wash affected areas with soap and water, flush any splashes to the eyes, nose, or mouth with clean water, report the incident to a supervisor, and seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. For additional information on bloodborne pathogen prevention and exposure response, providers can review the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Bloodborne Pathogens Training. |
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| | Get Registered! Upcoming Webinars |
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| | AFHC- Hosted Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
July 2 | 1:30PM – 3:00PM |
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| This webinar is hosted by the Adult Family Home Council (AFHC) and taught by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) team. The session introduces the new Adult Family Home Clearinghouse, designed to simplify how AFHs work with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. Participants will learn how the system works, how to register for and use the online platform, and how to accurately submit claims for CBHS and IBSS services. The training will also cover provider enrollment, key Medicaid billing guidelines, and common troubleshooting tips to help providers navigate the new process with confidence. 2.0 CEU available to all AFH Council Members who attend |
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| | | Upcoming Chapter Meetings |
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| | | Statewide Chapter Meeting
July 2 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM |
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| Join the Adult Family Home Council for our monthly Statewide Chapter Meeting. These meetings bring together providers and partners from across Washington to share important updates, discuss issues affecting Adult Family Homes, and stay connected to the broader AFH community. Meetings include announcements, education, and updates from AFHC staff and partners. 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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