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AFH COUNCIL UPDATES July 24th, 2026 |
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Supreme Court Ruling Highlights Need for Sustainable Medicaid Funding |
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The Washington Supreme Court’s decision in Bolina v. AssureCare Adult Home, LLC recognizes that live-in caregivers in adult family homes are entitled to minimum wage for all compensable hours and overtime after 40 hours in a workweek. While the ruling affirms important worker protections, it does not address the underlying challenge facing adult family homes: Medicaid reimbursement rates that have not kept pace with the actual cost of providing 24-hour care. Without corresponding rate increases, providers may face difficult decisions that affect staffing, available services, and their ability to remain open. |
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AFHC will continue advocating for Medicaid rates that reflect the true cost of care, support fair caregiver compensation, and preserve access to community-based care. Providers are also invited to join an informational webinar on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to learn more about the ruling and AFHC’s next steps. |
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FAQ and Update:Supreme Court Ruling on Caregiver Hours |
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The Washington Supreme Court’s recent ruling may require many overnight and live-in caregiver hours to be treated as compensable work time—particularly when caregivers must remain on site and be available to respond to resident needs or emergencies. |
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AFHC will host a webinar on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to explain the ruling, answer provider questions, and launch a survey measuring its potential impact on adult family homes. Survey results will support AFHC’s advocacy for Medicaid rate adjustments and other policy solutions. |
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Fall Conference 2026Applications |
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Sponsorships, Vendor Registration,and our Call for Speakers are now open! |
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Join us as we celebrate 30 years of resilience at the 2026 Adult Family Home Council Fall Conference, taking place Thursday and Friday, September 24–25, at the beautiful Tulalip Resort in Marysville, Washington. Centered around 30 Years of Voice, Value, and Vision, this year’s conference honors the strength of adult family home providers, the value they bring to long-term care, and our shared vision for the future of care in Washington State. With nearly 600 providers expected to attend, there are several ways to participate, including sponsorship opportunities, vendor registration, and our Call for Speakers. Call for Speakers Closes July 31st! To learn more and access all opportunities in one place, visit our conference news page: |
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Attending Registration is Scheduledfor August 5th 2026 |
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Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media pages to receive the latest conference updates and be notified when registration opens. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you at the 2026 Fall Conference! |
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Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Your Staff |
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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. |
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Not Receiving DSHS Provider Letters? |
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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: Select the link below. Choose Email and enter your contact information. Follow the prompts to select updates related to Adult Family Homes and other topics you would like to receive. Review and save your subscription preferences.
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Providers can also visit the DSHS Provider and Administrator Letters webpage to search for current and past Adult Family Home provider letters. |
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New DDA Information Hub for Adult Family Home Providers |
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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. |
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HR1 Federal Change: What This Means for AFHs |
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Beginning October 1, 2026, some adult immigrant residents—including refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors, Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, and others with humanitarian protections—may lose federally funded Apple Health long-term services and supports due to changes under HR1. Providers serving potentially affected residents should watch for communications from DSHS and case managers, document any effects on funding or resident care, and stay connected with AFHC for updates. AFHC has submitted a formal demand to bargain regarding the potential impact on adult family home providers. |
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RCS AFH Pilot for Facility Reported Incidents |
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Residential Care Services has launched a six-month pilot in Region 1 to test offsite reviews of select medium- and low-level facility-reported incidents that do not require an onsite investigation. Providers should continue submitting initial reports through the Online Incident Reporting portal. Participating providers are also asked to submit a follow-up form within five working days of the initial report. Training materials, reporting guidance, and additional resources are available in the full article. |
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Updated Worker Safety Awareness Program |
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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. |
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A Room & Care webinar has not been scheduled for this month. A date for next month’s webinar will be finalized and shared once available. In the meantime, providers who need assistance setting up their Room & Care account or listing available rooms may contact the Room & Care support team at support@roomandcare.com. One-on-one support may also be available for providers who need assistance before the next webinar. |
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Get Registered! Upcoming Webinars |
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| | Getting the Health Insurance You Need on Washington Healthplanfinder
July 27 | 11:00AM – 12:00PM |
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| With so many choices and considerations at stake, navigating health insurance as a small business owner can feel overwhelming. Join a session with Marie Cooper from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. She will simplify the process and highlight the options available on Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s official health and dental insurance marketplace, where Washingtonian’s can access individual plans that meet their needs and lifestyle. 1.0 CEU available to all who attend |
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| | Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-InjuryJuly 28 | 3:00PM – 4:00PM |
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| As Part One of a two-part training, this course introduces the impact of forced migration through a trauma-informed lens, with a focus on refugees, asylees, and survivors of displacement. Participants will build a foundational understanding of how trauma can occur across the migration journey (pre-migration, during transit, and post-migration), and how these experiences may influence mental health, behavior, trust, and engagement with services. The training emphasizes cultural humility and reflective practice, helping participants recognize how culture, identity, and lived experience shape meaning-making, help-seeking, and communication. 1.0 CEU available to all who attend |
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Upcoming Chapter Meetings |
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Spokane Chapter Meeting
July 29 | 12:30PM – 3:00PM |
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This session, provided by Spokane Fire Department, is specifically customized to be relevant to AFHs, particularly in the Spokane area. Participants will walk away better prepared for real-world emergencies. The session includes: Navigating the 911 system Preparation for EMS arrival Coordination of care with EMS and Emergency Departments
1.0 CEU available to all AFH Council members who attend. |
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Click below to go to our events page to see all upcoming chapter meetings. |
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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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