| | AFH COUNCIL UPDATES May 29th, 2026 |
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| | | | | | Executive Director Message |
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| Dear Adult Family Home Providers, Negotiations officially began on May 19. Guided directly by the feedback we heard from many of you during our Spring Conferences, the Council put forward a strong opening position that reflects the real operational challenges providers are facing across the state. Our proposal includes meaningful increases to base daily rates, as well as targeted improvements across all programs included in the collective bargaining agreement and delivered in adult family homes, including ECS, SBS, PDN, Bed Hold, etc. We want to be clear: our approach at the bargaining table is grounded in the lived realities of providers and the growing complexity of care you deliver every day. We are advocating firmly for rates and program supports that better align with rising costs, workforce pressures, and the acuity of residents you serve. This is not just about incremental change, it is about pushing for a more sustainable and equitable system that recognizes the essential role of adult family homes. At this stage, we are awaiting the state’s response to the non-economic components of the agreement, which we expect to receive in mid-June. The state has indicated that it will not present its economic proposal until July. Please know that we are actively engaged, preparing, and continuing to press forward to ensure your priorities remain front and center throughout the process. We will keep you informed as negotiations progress and as more details become available. Additionally, due to last-minute changes in conference speakers, AFHC was required to resubmit a portion of the Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for recertification. We appreciate your patience as we worked through this process. We are pleased to share that DSHS has now approved the updated CECs, and our team is actively working to distribute the 2026 Spring Conference CECS over the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued engagement, your advocacy, and the critical care you provide every day. With appreciation, Amina Teouri Interim Executive Director Adult Family Home Council |
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| | Thank You for Making the 2026 Spring Conference a Success! |
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| Thank you to everyone who joined us in Auburn, Spokane, and Vancouver for the 2026 AFH Council Spring Conference: In Good Hands — Advocacy & Guidance You Need to Thrive. Providers from across the state came together to learn, connect, share feedback, and help shape the future of Adult Family Homes. One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the Council Leadership Q&A Forum, where members had the opportunity to engage directly with Council leadership, ask questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to providers. Your feedback, ideas, and experiences are helping guide the Council’s advocacy and priorities moving forward. Thank you for being part of such an engaging and successful event. We look forward to seeing you again at the 2027 Spring Conference! |
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| | | Transfers and Discharges in Adult Family Homes |
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| The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has initiated early rulemaking (CR-101) on a proposed new section, WAC 182-526-0207, which would clarify how administrative hearings apply to transfer and discharge decisions across different care settings, including Adult Family Homes. Under the proposal, residents in Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Enhanced Services Facilities would not be able to request this specific type of administrative hearing through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) for transfer or discharge decisions. This process would remain available only for nursing facility residents. What This Could Mean for Adult Family HomesIf adopted, this change is intended to clarify the scope of the appeals process and may help reduce delays that currently occur when discharge decisions are appealed through OAH. At times, these appeals can pause the discharge process for extended periods, even when a resident’s needs, safety, or care situation may no longer align with the setting. While the proposal may help reduce procedural delays, it does not remove existing protections for residents. Adult Family Homes would still be required to follow all current state requirements for transfers and discharges, including proper notice, care coordination, and safe transition planning. Why This Matters NowA CR-101 filing is the earliest stage of rulemaking, meaning no changes are in effect yet. The state is seeking input before drafting formal rules, and stakeholder feedback will play an important role in shaping the final outcome. Share Your ExperienceThe Adult Family Home Council will be submitting comments on this proposal and is seeking provider input. If you have experienced challenges, delays, or complex situations involving discharges or appeals, your feedback is valuable and will help inform the Council’s response. |
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| | | Updates to the Bed Hold Policy for Residential Support Waiver Clients |
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| DSHS has updated the Bed Hold policy for clients receiving Residential Support Waiver (RSW) services, expanding the settings where clients may receive short-term medical or behavioral health care while providers continue to receive Bed Hold payments. The update includes new guidance for Adult Family Homes serving residents with Specialized Behavior Support (SBS), Expanded Community Services (ECS), and other RSW-funded services. DSHS has also revised Form 05-249, now renamed the Notice of Bed Hold, with updated reporting requirements and instructions. Providers should review the new policy carefully, including eligibility requirements, approved care settings, 20-day Bed Hold timelines, and the updated rules regarding resident returns and subsequent transfers. The updated policy is effective immediately, and providers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the revised requirements and new Notice of Bed Hold form. |
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| | | | AFH Worker Safety Training: Accident Prevention Programs |
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| Did you know that every Washington State employer is required to have a written Accident Prevention Program (APP)? This important workplace safety program helps employers identify hazards, establish safety practices, train staff, and reduce workplace injuries. For Adult Family Homes, an effective APP is a key part of maintaining a safe environment for both staff and residents. The Council’s Safety Manual includes customizable templates and resources to help providers develop and maintain required safety programs. This update answers common questions about APP requirements, safety committees, employee safety meetings, required training, hazard identification, and free consultation services available through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). A well-maintained safety program can help protect employees, reduce workplace injuries, improve compliance, and strengthen your home’s overall operations. |
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| | | Adult Family Home Pilot for Investigations of Facility-Reported Incidents |
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| Residential Care Services (RCS) will begin a new six-month pilot program in July 2026 that introduces an administrative review and offsite investigation process for certain facility-reported incidents (FRIs) in Adult Family Homes. Under this pilot, providers will continue reporting incidents through the RCS Online Incident Reporting (OIR) portal, while also submitting follow-up updates and supporting documentation electronically as part of the investigation process.
The goal of the pilot is to improve efficiency, streamline investigations, and reduce unnecessary onsite visits while maintaining oversight and accountability.
Upcoming Training OpportunityTo help providers prepare for these changes, AFHC and RCS are offering a joint virtual training covering: Mandatory reporting requirements Follow-up update expectations How to upload documentation through the OIR portal Provider responsibilities during the pilot
June 23, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
1.5 CE Hours Available
We encourage providers and staff to attend and become familiar with the updated investigation process before the pilot begins. |
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| | | Revised AFH Licensing Visits: What Providers Can Expect Under the New Inspection Model |
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| Residential Care Services (RCS) has officially implemented a revised licensing inspection process for Adult Family Homes effective May 1, 2026. The updated model is designed to reduce inspection backlogs and streamline the licensing process while maintaining existing compliance standards. One of the biggest changes providers may notice is that inspections are expected to be shorter and more focused, with many visits now taking closer to four hours instead of a full day. The revised process also places greater emphasis on targeted sampling of records rather than reviewing every file individually. In addition, providers now have a formal 24-hour window to electronically submit documents that are not immediately available during the inspection. The Council will continue sharing updated guidance, tools, and training resources as additional information becomes available. |
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| | | | Everyday Support for Dual Diagnosis Training Opportunity |
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| Providers and staff who support individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions are invited to attend Everyday Support for Dual Diagnosis, an interactive training focused on understanding dual diagnosis and strengthening person-centered support practices. Participants will learn practical strategies for trauma-informed care, effective communication, behavioral documentation, and supporting individuals whose developmental disabilities and mental health needs intersect. The training will also explore the caregiver’s role, coordinated support planning, and techniques for building safe and supportive relationships. The workshop will be offered on June 17 and June 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participation is limited to 50 attendees per session, and active participation is required to receive a certificate of completion and CE credits. Space is limited, so providers are encouraged to register early and ensure staff have the technology and Zoom access needed to participate. |
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| | Get Registered! Upcoming Webinars |
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| | Social Leave Listening Session With Adult Family Home Providers
June 1 | 3:00PM – 5:00PM |
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| Adult Family Home providers, Adult Family Home Council representatives, and advocates are invited to participate in a focused feedback session on the development of an Extended Social Leave policy. As part of ongoing collaboration with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, these sessions are designed to gather input from providers and stakeholders on how social leave policies impact Adult Family Homes in real-world settings. Feedback collected will help inform policy decisions and ensure that future guidance reflects the operational realities, challenges, and needs of providers. No CEU will be offered |
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| | Cultivating Behavioral Interventions for Mental Health Disorders
June 3 | 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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| | | Upcoming Chapter Meetings |
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| | | Snohomish Chapter Meeting
June 2 | 11:00AM – 1:00PM |
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| Topic: TBD Presented by TBD Connect and grow with your community! Meet us for free lunch, valuable networking opportunities with local providers and affiliates, and earn CE credits while gaining insights to boost efficiency in your AFH! 1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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| | | Statewide Chapter Meeting
June 4 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM |
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| Presented by AFH Council 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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