| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES March 27th, 2026 |
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| | | | Dear Providers, We are pleased to announce the appointment of Amina Teouri as the Interim Executive Director of the Adult Family Home Council as we begin a comprehensive search for a permanent Executive Director.  Many of you will remember Ms. Teouri from her prior role as our in-house lobbyist, where she led critical advocacy efforts on complex issues impacting adult family home providers. During her tenure, Ms. Teouri demonstrated an exceptional ability to translate provider concerns into policy action, conducting in-depth research, crafting strategic legislative responses, and engaging effectively with state agencies and lawmakers. Her efforts helped drive meaningful change and strengthen the voice of adult family home providers across Washington State.
After leaving the Council in October 2024, Ms. Teouri joined Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, representing a variety of clients including the cities of Tacoma, SeaTac, and Lynnwood. Through this work, she developed deep municipal advocacy experience and built trusted relationships with legislators statewide. Her expertise in public policy, coalition building, and community-centered problem-solving reflects a career-long commitment to creating equitable, practical, and lasting solutions. Earlier in her career, Ms. Teouri worked with grassroots organizations dedicated to equity and inclusion and managed local, state, and judicial campaigns throughout Washington. These experiences continue to inform her leadership approach, centered on listening, collaboration, and achieving meaningful outcomes. As the Council navigates a critical period of transition, with ongoing collective bargaining, labor relations issues, and our upcoming spring conferences, Ms. Teouri’s familiarity with our mission, members, and policy landscape will ensure steady leadership and continuity. The Board is confident that her guidance will help position us for a strong future and renewed momentum in our advocacy for adult family homes. Please join us in welcoming Amina Teouri back to the Council. Positive change is on the horizon, and we look forward to building this next chapter together. United Together, AFH Council Executive Board |
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| | Advocacy in Action!Liability Insurance Issue Resolved |
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| The topic of Commercial and Professional Liability Insurance has been ongoing since at least 2018. The issue at hand has been related to sub-limits being placed on liability insurance policies that fell below the $500,000 per occurrence/ $1,000,000 aggregate requirements contained in WAC 388-76-10192. Since our Regulatory Support Director, Maleia Press, joined the Adult Family Home Council in November, she has been actively researching this topic, looking for the disconnect and exploring solutions. After extensive research, Maleia was able to work with RCS Director, Amy Abbott, who shared the following: “After reviewing all the information, meeting with the Attorney General (AG), and discussing with representatives at the Insurance Commission, we have a much better understanding of Commercial General Liability (CGL) exclusions and sub-limits. As we understand it, the sublimit adds back coverage that would typically be excluded from the CGL.” Amy Abbott went on to write, “There is no requirement in the WAC or RCW that additional coverage, beyond the required coverage, be added to a policy, and there is no regulation requiring any coverage that is added have the same limit as the standard requirements found in WAC. I also verified with our contracts team that DSHS does not require additional coverage to address the policy exclusions found in CGL.” The department has issued notification to their staff and are working to retrain licensors and complaint investigators on this corrected interpretation. Meanwhile, if you receive any citations or consultations on this topic, or are told this is an issue that you as the provider need to address with your insurance carrier, reach out to Maleia Press at maleia@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org and she will get this resolved for you. |
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| | | Advocacy in Action! Success with Informal Dispute Resolutions (IDRs) and Complaint Investigations |
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| Since our Regulatory Support Director, Maleia Press, joined the Adult Family Home Council in November, one of the areas she has been focusing on is assisting providers with filing Informal Dispute Resolutions (IDRs) for citations received. Additionally, she has been applying her background as an investigator to support providers in responding to complaint investigations, particularly from Department of Health (DOH). In the last month, three providers have had their citations successfully deleted! The first two citations were related to background checks, and the third was related to TB testing. There was also one DOH complaint that was successfully closed with no findings following a complaint filed by a disgruntled employee who was separated from their position. If you are facing a similar situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Adult Family Home Council (AFHC). Maleia can assist with presenting your case in a way that highlights how actions taken met the regulatory requirement, or work with the provider on implementing sustainable interventions. Email: Info@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org Website: https://adultfamilyhomecouncil.org/contact-us Phone: 360-754-3329 |
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| | CARE Assessments:What To Do When the Assessment Appears Innaccurate |
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| It is not uncommon for an AFH provider to receive a CARE assessment for one of their residents that they believe does not accurately reflect the resident’s care needs and services. Did you know there is a process for disputing the assessment? The Adult Family Home Council (AFHC) can help! Always start with the case manager/social worker and their supervisor. If unable to resolve the issue at this level, you can reach out to the AFHC for support to escalate this issue. There is a defined process, and this step must be completed prior to the AFHC being able to escalate the concern. When contacting the case manager/social worker and their supervisor, provide the following information: A clear explanation of the issue Specific sections you believe are incorrect (ADLs, cognition, behaviors, supervision needs, etc.) Supporting documentation
The AFHC has developed a How-To Guide for providers explaining the process in easy-to-follow steps. The guide is available in our document library, with a link included below. As always, the AFHC is here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have questions. Email: Info@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org Website: https://adultfamilyhomecouncil.org/contact-us Phone: 360-754-3329 |
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| | | Hearing For Proposed Rule Change Related to Home Care Aide Certification |
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| | The Department of Health and the Home Care Aide program filed a CR-102 on March 05, 2026, as WSR 26-07-005 amending existing rules to provide additional time for long-term care workers to complete certification requirements. The proposed amendments reflect changes made by Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1142 (chapter 18, Laws of 2025), and Senate Bill (SB) 5672 (chapter 341, Laws of 2025), filed as continued emergency rules under WSR 26-07-028. The proposed permanent rules will cover the time between the CR-103 filing and December 31, 2027, when the emergency clause expire. The department is proposing amendments to WAC 246-980-025:, WAC 246-980-030:, WAC 246-980-040: and WAC 246-980-065: to update the language related to individual providers exempt from obtaining certification, clarifying basic training requirements, and provide additional time for long-term care workers to complete certification. The public rules hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 3:00pm. Register at the link below. |
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| Get Registered! Upcoming Webinars |
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| | | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
March 30 | 3:00PM – 4:00PM |
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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 CEUs will be offered. |
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| | Respirator (N95) Written Program for Adult Family Homes
March 31 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM |
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| This practical webinar will walk Adult Family Home providers through what is required to have a compliant Respirator (N95) Written Program in place. We will explain why a written respirator program is required, what purpose it serves in protecting both staff and residents, and when it applies to AFHs. Participants will review the key elements that must be included in the written program and gain a clear understanding of how to implement and maintain it. The session will also highlight reliable resources and tools to help providers stay compliant with respirator rules and regulations, so you can feel confident meeting requirements without unnecessary complexity. 1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | Trauma of Migration: Cultural Humility, Support, and Trauma-Informed Care, Part 2
March 31 | 3:00PM – 4:00PM |
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| This two-part series explores the impact of forced migration through a trauma-informed lens, with a focus on refugees, asylees, and survivors of displacement. Participants will gain insight into cultural humility, mental health challenges, and post-migration stressors while learning how to provide person-centered, trauma-informed care. The course also addresses common barriers to care, culturally responsive communication, and the importance of community and resilience in recovery. 1.0 CEU available to all who attend. |
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| | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
March 31 | 3:00PM- 4:00PM |
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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 CEUs will be offered. |
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| | Cultivating Behavioral Interventions For Mental Health Disorders
April 1 | 10:00AM – 11:30AM |
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| This training introduces how to assess and document behaviors related to severe mental illness and use that information to build practical, case based behavioral interventions that support well-being in and beyond long term care settings. 1.5 CEU available to all who attend. |
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| | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
April 1 | 2:00PM – 3:00PM |
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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 CEUs will be offered. |
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| | | | AFHC Statewide Virtual Chapter Meeting
April 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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| | Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Webinar
April 2 | 2:00PM – 3:00PM |
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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 CEUs will be offered. |
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| | Upcoming Chapter Meetings |
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| | | Snohomish Chapter Meeting
April 7 | 11:00AM – 1:00PMMarysville Library 6120 Grove St, Marysville, WA 98270 |
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| AFH Employer’s Guide to Worker Rights Presented by Stephen Yim, Community Outreach Specialist with the DOL Join us for a practical, information-packed webinar designed to help Adult Family Home providers stay compliant and protect their business. This session will cover essential employer responsibilities under federal labor laws, 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 how these federal standards apply in everyday workplace situations. If you want clarity, confidence, and a clear roadmap for meeting federal labor standards, this is a session you won’t want to miss. 1.0 hours of CE available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | | Mountlake Terrace Chapter Meeting
April 8 | 1:00PM – 3:30PMMountlake Terrace Library 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA |
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| Topic: Therapeutic Communication For Healthcare Staff Presented by Jordan Drew, LPN, CDP, CPDC, Continuum Care Hospice Difficult conversations are part of caregiving — but they don’t have to be adversarial. This session helps providers build confidence in navigating challenging interactions with residents’ families and others involved in care. We’ll explore strategies for empathy-based communication, framing conversations as “us working together to solve a problem,” and understanding that families may care deeply while having different knowledge or experience levels. The goal is stronger partnerships, calmer interactions, and better shared outcomes. 1.0 hours of CE available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | | Kent Chapter Meeting
April 10 | 11:30AM – 2:30PMKent Senior Center 600 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030 |
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| Communication and Behavior Strategies for Residents Living with Dementia Presented by Home Health Clinicians, Evergreen Health This training provides practical guidance on effective communication and behavior support strategies for residents living with dementia. Participants will gain an understanding of how cognitive changes associated with dementia impact communication and behavior, and will learn person-centered approaches to reduce distress and responsive behaviors. The session includes instruction on identifying common triggers, implementing proactive non-pharmacological interventions, and applying environmental and activity-based modifications that promote engagement, dignity, and quality of life. By the end of the training, participants will be able to describe the effects of cognitive decline on communication, demonstrate person-centered communication techniques, and apply practical strategies to support safer, more supportive daily care interactions. 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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