We had a successful Spring Conference in Auburn and are looking forward to welcoming providers in Vancouver and Spokane. Join us for the 2026 Spring Conference: In Good Hands — Advocacy & Guidance You Need to Thrive, where Adult Family Home providers come together to connect with Council leadership, share real-world experiences, and help shape the policies that affect daily practice.

The Vancouver conference is coming up quickly, and registration closes this Sunday at midnight. Seats are limited and filling fast, so don’t wait until the last minute to reserve your spot.

This year’s conference is especially important because Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations begin in mid-May. Your input will help guide upcoming discussions on key issues such as communication with the department, program development, and fair compensation for the work providers do every day.

Conference attendees will:

• Receive important policy and industry updates

• Gain practical tools to support business operations

• Participate in meaningful dialogue with leadership

• Network with fellow providers and industry partners

• Enjoy hosted lunch and additional engagement opportunities

Events will be held in Auburn, Spokane, and Vancouver to support accessibility across regions.

Policies and procedures Training Series for AFH Providers

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), in partnership with DDA and HCLA, is offering a free 2026 Policy & Procedure Training Series for Adult Family Home providers.

This four-part series is designed to keep you informed on key policies, procedures, and services impacting residents. Each 90-minute session is led by subject matter experts and offers 1.5 CEUs.

Upcoming sessions will cover topics such as financial eligibility, rates and payments, and nursing services.

Please note that providers must register for each session individually through DSHS. Be sure to enter your name as you would like it to appear on your CEU certificate.

For questions, contact paula.costa@dshs.wa.gov.

ProviderOne Claim Denials: What AFH Providers Should Know

The Health Care Authority (HCA) has identified an issue affecting some ProviderOne claims, which may result in denials showing Remark Code N54 and Reason Code 16.

For Adult Family Home providers, this means it’s important to carefully review any denied claims before assuming they are part of this system issue. In many cases, denials may still be related to billing details such as incorrect codes, modifiers, or service dates.

If everything appears correct and the denial is unclear, providers are encouraged to contact HCA for assistance or consider resubmitting the claim.

HCA is actively working to resolve the issue and will continue reprocessing affected claims.

Staying proactive can help prevent delays in reimbursement and ensure claims are processed correctly.

COMING SOON:  Updated Worker Safety Awareness Program

We’re excited to share that a refreshed version of one of our most useful safety training resources is almost here. On June 16, 2026, the updated Adult Family Home Industry Worker Safety Awareness Program launches with new training designed to make workplace safety clearer, easier, and more practical for providers and staff.

The new e-course includes more than 45 short interactive micro-modules, educational PDFs, knowledge checks, and quizzes, with each module taking 15 minutes or less to complete. Topics include PPE, ergonomics, hazardous drugs, and other everyday safety concerns, along with L&I safety rules, requirements, and regulations.

Participants will also earn continuing education credit upon completion and leave with practical tools to help create a safer work environment and reduce injuries in Adult Family Homes. The goal is simple: better safety for your team and better care for the people you serve.

Watch for more details coming in May. We’re looking forward to bringing this updated program to members!

DSHS Reorganization: What It Means For Adult Family Homes

The state is reorganizing developmental disabilities services under the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). While this may sound significant, DSHS has indicated that this is an administrative change and should not disrupt services for residents or providers.

For Adult Family Homes, this means you should continue working with the same case managers, following existing service plans, and maintaining current communication practices.

That said, providers are encouraged to stay informed, as updates may follow that could impact referrals, authorizations, or agency contacts.

Payment System Update

The Council implemented a new membership payment system starting today, May 1. This system is flexible and is designed to streamline the membership payment process for you. As with any change, there may be issues that pop up. If you notice anything unusual with your membership payments, please contact Bryon immediately:

Accounts@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org

360-810-2760

Proposed Change to Your AFH Licensing Rules – What You Need to Know

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 Feedback

Providers 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

Adult Family Home Claims & Billing Trainings Now Available Through AFHC

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 Dates

• May 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.

Social Leave Feedback Sessions for Adult Family Homes

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.

2026 Policies and Procedures Training Series, Session 2: Financial Eligibility
May 5  |  9:00AM – 10:30AM

This training series provides up-to-date information on policies and procedures related to services residents may receive through Washington State’s Home and Community Living Administration. Presented by subject matter experts from Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) and Home and Community Services (HCS), each session focuses on key areas that impact adult family home operations, including eligibility, rates and payments, nursing services, and other essential program requirements. Participants will gain practical insight into how these policies affect care, documentation, and service coordination for residents receiving state-supported services.

1.5 CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend.

Explanation and Interventions for Diabetes Mellitus in Mental Healthcare
May 6  |  10:00AM – 11:30AM

The training course provides attendees with in-depth knowledge concerning Diabetes Mellitus in the mental healthcare environment.

1.5 CEU available to all AFH Council Member who attend.

AFHC Statewide Virtual Chapter Meeting

May 7 |  10:00AM – 11:00AM

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 Member who attend.

AFHC- Hosted Adult Family Home claims & Billing Webinar
       May 08  | 1:00PM- 3:00PM

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 Member who attend.

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