April 11, 2012
ADSA: ALF #2012-005
2012 Legislation: SHB 2056 – concerning assisted living facilities
Dear Assisted Living Facility Administrator:
The purpose of this letter is to let you know about a bill the Governor recently signed into law that affects boarding homes. Substitute House Bill (SHB) 2056 is an act concerning a name change from “boarding homes” to “assisted living facilities”. The law becomes effective June 7, 2012.
Highlights of the bill:
- Changes the term “boarding home” to “assisted living facility” throughout the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
- Authorizes all Department rules that apply to licensed boarding homes to continue in effect and apply to licensed assisted living facilities.
- Clarifies terminology related to individuals with developmental disabilities and individuals with mental illness.
- To read the details of the newly passed legislation in its entirety online, visit: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202012/2056-S.SL.pdf
The Department is in the process of identifying all documents that refer to boarding homes. Over time, the Department will make the change to “assisted living facility” in all rules, procedures and other documents, including those online.
If you have any questions, please contact your local RCS Field Manager.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services