AFH Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Care Services has compiled the following responses to frequently asked questions from prospective and current providers.

How do I begin the licensing process?

If you want to become a licensed AFH provider, and you have NOT been the licensee of a licensed AFH in Washington State in the past 12 months, you must first attend a department-sponsored orientation class for prospective providers before submitting your application. The link below will provide a list of colleges that provide the orientation class. The college will provide you with a certificate of completion at the end of the one-day class. The certificate is valid for one calendar year from the date of attendance. AFH Orientation class locations can be found at AFH On-line Orientation Class Registration | DSHS (wa.gov)

Where can I find the AFH license application?

The AFH license application is available in this link: Adult Family Home License Application and  be sure to refer to the separate instruction sheet when filling out the application.

I have submitted my application, when will I hear from the Department?

The amount of time it takes to process a license application will vary based on several factors. The application can take 60 days or more to process. A staff person will contact you via email at the email address listed in the application once the Business Analysis Application Unit has received the application.

If you have questions regarding the status of your AFH application, please email BAAU@dshs.wa.gov

The most important thing you can do to assist yourself and us in this process is to assure that the application and accompanying materials you submit are correct and complete.

Once licensed how do I add a specialty designation (required to care for residents with dementia, developmental disabilities and/or mental illness)?

Submit a complete, signed and dated AFH Information Change form.

How do I change the business structure of my license (i.e. sole proprietor to corporation)?

To change the license status of a currently licensed AFH (for example, changing from a sole proprietorship to a corporation); you must complete the Adult Family Home License Application and be sure to refer to the separate instruction sheet when filling out the application.

How do I change the number of licensed beds?

For an increase in licensed beds submit an AFH Capacity Increase Change form (DSHS 06-168) and include the payment for any fees due at the time of submission. To reduce how many beds you are licensed,  requires a completed AFH Capacity Decrease Change form (DSHS 06-169).

For capacity increase and/or decrease inquiries, please email RCSBOA@dshs.wa.gov

How do I add or terminate a Medicaid contract?

Send an email to adshqcontracts@dshs.wa.gov or contact the AFH Contracts Manager at (360) 725-2649.

How do I relocate my AFH to a new location?

The AFH license application is available  in this link : Adult Family Home License Application and  be sure to refer to the separate instruction sheet when filling out the application.

Additional Resources