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AFH COUNCIL UPDATES

August 14th, 2026

Fall Conference 2026

Ticket Registration is Open!

Registration for the 2026 Fall Conference is currently focused on Washington’s adult family home provider community.

At this time:

• Licensed adult family home providers may register at the applicable member or nonmember rate. A valid AFH license number is required.

• Individuals actively working toward opening or licensing an adult family home should contact AFHC before registering. Current AFHC membership will be required in these situations.

• Affiliate Business Partners and other industry professionals should contact AFHC to discuss available sponsorship, exhibitor, or attendance opportunities rather than purchasing a provider ticket.

These requirements help preserve conference space for providers and ensure a valuable educational and networking experience for everyone attending. Additional attendance options may be considered as capacity allows.

The 2026 Fall Conference will be held September 24–25 at Tulalip Resort in Marysville.

Questions about eligibility? Please contact AFHC before purchasing a ticket.

Put Your Organization in Front of Washington’s Adult Family Home Community

Vendor tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the AFHC 2026 Fall Conference, taking place September 24–25, 2026, at Tulalip Resort in Marysville.

This two-day conference is expected to welcome approximately 600 attendees, with venue capacity for up to 700 people. The event will also include a special Thursday evening dinner as AFHC celebrates 30 years of supporting and advocating for adult family home providers.

Participating organizations can:

• Connect directly with providers and industry professionals

• Build awareness of products and services that support adult family homes

• Strengthen relationships within Washington’s long-term care community

• Demonstrate support for AFHC’s mission and provider education

Two new sponsorship opportunities are available for our Thursday evening dinner:

• Dinner Buffet Sponsor: $7,000
  Four sponsorships remain.

• Dinner Table Sponsor: $550
  Forty-three table sponsorships remain.

Sponsorship opportunities include:

• Presenting Sponsor: SOLD OUT

• Platinum Sponsor: $9,000 (2 Remaining)

• Gold Sponsor: $5,000 (3 Remaining)

• Silver Sponsor: $1,500

Vendor tables are also available. Sponsorships and vendor participation are separate from conference admission, and availability is limited.

Stay Connected With AFHC by Text

AFHC members can now receive important updates, event reminders, and time-sensitive information by text message.

Choose either option to sign up:

Text AFHC to 1-360-208-0913

Follow the confirmation prompt to complete your opt-in.

Or Sign up online:

Signing up helps ensure you receive important information wherever you are, even when you cannot check your email.

Please note that subscribing to AFHC emails does not automatically enroll you in text messages. You must opt in separately.

Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe.

Hazardous Waste Generation Fee Due August 20, 2026

The Washington State Department of Ecology has issued its annual Hazardous Waste Generation Fee invoices. The current fee is $69 and is due Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Businesses may receive an invoice because their industry classification—known as a NAICS code—is associated with activities that typically generate hazardous waste. Receiving an invoice does not necessarily mean the fee applies to your adult family home.

DSHS Issues Wildfire Recovery and Reoccupancy Guidance for Adult Family Homes

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has issued Dear Provider Letter HCLA AFH #2026-033, providing recovery, reoccupancy, relocation, and emergency resource guidance for adult family homes affected by the recent wildfires.

Report or update your home’s status

Providers who evacuated and have not yet reported the evacuation should do so immediately through the Residential Care Services Online Incident Reporting Portal or by calling 800-562-6078.

Spokane Wildfire Update

AFHC stands with Adult Family Homes affected by the Spokane wildfires. Providers should continue following local safety instructions and report evacuations or significant operational disruptions to DSHS Residential Care Services.

Our updated resource page includes reporting instructions, recovery assistance, air-quality information, and ways to contact AFHC Member Support.

We are also supporting our AFHs through a GoFundMe for those effected by the wildfire. You can donate at the link below.

The funds raised will go toward essential care items for residents or the home. Our goal is to offer practical, immediate support to the homes carrying this burden so they can focus on caring for their residents during an incredibly difficult time. If you are able, please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help support these homes and their residents as they recover from this disaster.

Help Document the Impact on Adult Family Homes

The Senate Ways and Means Committee has asked the Adult Family Home Council to help estimate how many adult family homes and live-in caregiver employees may be affected by the Washington Supreme Court’s decision in Bolina v. AssureCare.

Your response will help AFHC evaluate the potential financial and operational effects on providers, employees, Medicaid residents, and the adult family home system. The information will support related legislative, budget, collective bargaining, and policy efforts.

Important Survey Instructions

Please submit one separate response for each licensed adult family home you own or operate.

• If you operate one licensed home, submit one response.

• If you operate multiple licensed homes, submit a separate response for each home.

• Do not combine information from multiple homes.

• Do not include employee or resident names, medical information, wage records, Social Security numbers, or other personally identifiable information.

Survey responses will be treated as confidential and reported only in aggregate. AFHC will not share provider-identifying information or individual responses outside the organization without first consulting the provider and receiving permission.

This survey is not a legal compliance audit. A response does not determine whether any period is compensable or whether a provider owes wages.

Your participation will help AFHC present a clearer picture of how this decision may affect adult family homes across Washington.

Learn more about the survey and how information will be used.

WA Supreme Court Ruling:

What You Can Do Now

Following the recent Washington Supreme Court ruling, AFHC is asking providers to:

• Complete the Live-in Care Impact Survey.

• Prepare a brief provider impact statement.

• Join or renew their AFHC membership.

• Organize and preserve employment and payroll records.

• Watch for the upcoming statewide provider sign-on letter.

Every survey response helps AFHC demonstrate the ruling’s statewide impact. Please submit one response for each licensed home you own or operate.

H.R. 1 Federal Changes

Non-Citizens in Adult Family Homes: What AFH Providers Need to Know

Beginning October 1, 2026, federal changes under H.R. 1 will restrict access to federally funded Apple Health Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) for some non-citizen residents.

Residents who may be affected include individuals with refugee, asylee, trafficking-survivor, Ukrainian humanitarian parolee, or certain other humanitarian-protection statuses. DSHS has advised that affected residents will receive information about these changes and should report any change in immigration or citizenship status to DSHS.

State-Funded Services for AFH Residents

AFHC requested additional clarification from DSHS regarding the impact of H.R. 1 on residents living in adult family homes.

DSHS has advised that affected AFH residents who are currently receiving Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports will continue to receive services through available state funding when the federal changes take effect.

The agency is still working through the operational details of the state-funded model. As soon as we know more, we will provide that information.

Funding and Implementation

The Legislature appropriated funding to address a portion of impact of non-citizen residents in long-term care facilities. DSHS has explained that the available funding is limited and that the long-term availability of state-funded services remains uncertain.

The state is developing an emergency rule for implementation by October 1, 2026, and expects to begin permanent rulemaking shortly thereafter. From our understanding, there should not be proposed changes to AFH reimbursement, service limits, provider documentation, training, or other administrative requirements once the state funding gets rolled out.

AFHC will continue to monitor the rulemaking process, implementation details, and funding developments and will advocate for clear communication and continuity of services for affected AFH residents.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Your Staff

We get questions every day about TB requirements for new hires. Here is a breakdown of what the WAC requires for new hires – whether they have tested positive previously or got a recent test before hire, there are a few steps to consider.

TB tests are required within three (3) days of hire and can be done via skin (intradermal) test or blood test (IGRAs). The two main types of IGRAs are QuantiFERON-TB Gold and T-SPOT.TB.

Even if an employee was tested a week ago or for another job (and it was more than 3 days ago), but their hire date is today, they will still need another TB test.

Not Receiving DSHS Provider Letters?

Some providers have shared that they are no longer receiving DSHS Provider and Administrator Letter emails.

These messages are distributed through DSHS’s email update system and are separate from the AFHC newsletter mailing list. AFHC cannot add or restore subscribers to the DSHS list, but providers can subscribe or review their preferences directly through DSHS.

To sign up:

1. Select the link below.

2. Choose Email and enter your contact information.

3. Follow the prompts to select updates related to Adult Family Homes and other topics you would like to receive.

4. Review and save your subscription preferences.

Providers can also visit the DSHS Provider and Administrator Letters webpage to search for current and past Adult Family Home provider letters.

New DDA Information Hub for Adult Family Home Providers

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has launched a new online information hub for Adult Family Home and Assisted Living Facility providers.

The hub brings DDA-related information and provider resources together in one convenient location, making it easier to find guidance relevant to supporting residents with developmental disabilities. Providers serving DDA clients are encouraged to bookmark the page and check back regularly for updates.

Updated Worker Safety Awareness Program

The updated Worker Safety Awareness Program offers flexible, self-paced training to help adult family home providers and caregivers prevent workplace injuries and understand L&I safety requirements.

The e-Course includes 43 interactive micro-modules covering PPE, ergonomics, hazardous drugs, and other workplace hazards. Each module takes 15 minutes or less, and participants who complete the program and pass all four quizzes can earn continuing education credits. The training is available to all learners, regardless of AFHC membership.

Get Registered!  

Upcoming Webinars

Upcoming Chapter Meetings

Lakewood Chapter Meeting

08/18/2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Apostolic Faith Church

5319 San Francisco Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

Connect and grow with your community! Meet us in Lakewood for free lunch, valuable networking opportunities with local providers and affiliates, and earn CE credits while gaining insights to boost efficiency in your AFH!

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:  At 3:30, Stephen Yim with the Wage and Hour Division at the US Department of Labor will share federal information and resources related to managing overtime.

1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend.

Lunch Sponsor: Cascade Adult Day Services

Lacey Chapter

08/19/2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

MyMedSupplies – Community Room

6149 Martin Way East, Lacey, WA 98516

Join us for a session dedicated to understanding the shifting demographics we are seeing in the US and what kind of opportunities are available.  This interactive session starts with an overview of demographics–we will look at different generations and demographics groups– followed by group brainstorming to identify opportunities for growth and enhancement.  

1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend.

Lunch Sponsor: Puget Sound Home Health

Don’t See Your Chapter?

Click below to go to our events page to see all upcoming chapter meetings.

AFH Council Online Campus Registration

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.

Interested in Presenting or Sponsoring?

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.

Stay Up-To-Date with Our Upcoming Events and Webinars!

P: 1.360.754.3329   |   F: 1.360.943.6653   |   T: 1.888.439.8999

3309 Capitol Blvd. SW Ste 1, Tumwater, WA 98501