Latest News
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FOCUS GROUPS REGARDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES ARE SLATED FOR APRIL, MAY: As a part of Washington State’s continuing effort to transform lives and increase the community-based services available to individuals with behavioral challenges and personal care needs, ALTSA is creating programs that will offer support and services to providers interested in helping these individuals transition back into their own community.
We will be conducting focus groups with providers during April and May to share information regarding the teams we’ve created and gather input regarding what you would find most helpful or useful when working with behavioral health clients. View the Focus Group Schedule (Word).
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Community Integration Training is now available. If you are a care provider and need to learn about changes related to the 2017-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement (to include Community Integration), this training is for you.
For questions or comments regarding the content on this page, contact the RCS Communications Manager.
What are the laws and regulations for operating an AFH?
- AFH Minimum Licensing Requirements WAC 388-76
- Residential Long Term Care Services Training WAC 388-112A
- Long-Term Care Resident Rights RCW 70.129
- Long Term Care Ombuds Program
- RCW 70.128 - Adult Family Homes
- Home and Community Based Services
- Local Building Code Inspections Checklist
How will the department communicate any changes?
- Dear Provider Letters
- AFH Rule Filings
- CR 101 – Proposed Rulemaking – Chapter 388-76 WAC (Add, repeal & amend sections)
- CR 102 – Proposed Rulemaking – Chapter 388-76 WAC
- CR 103 – Proposed Rulemaking – Chapter 388-76 WAC (Willful Definition)
- CR 101 – Proposed Rulemaking – Chapter 388-76 WAC (TB)
- CR 101 – Proposed Rulemaking – Chapter 388-76 WAC (Background Checks)
Do my caregivers need the Home Care Aide certification?
Yes, they will have to be Home Care Aide certified unless they meet one of the following exemptions:
- RNs, LPNs, and certified nursing assistants (NA- C/CNA) or persons in an approved CNA training program;
- Medicare certified home health aides;
- Person with special education training and an endorsement granted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction; or
- Employed as a LTC worker sometime between 1/1/2011 and 1/6/2012 AND who completed the training requirements in effect at the time. Must have proof of that employment meeting the requirements of DOH WAC 246-980-070. Long-Term Care Employment Verification form (DOH 675-006)
What are the training requirements?
How Do I find Training for my staff?
- Approved Instructors for AFH Training Classes
- Training Information for AFH
- Adult Family Homes Food Safety & Food Worker Card
- Caregiving Experience Attestation (CEA) form (DSHS 10-417)
Where do I find background check information?
- Background Check
- Background Check Tips
- Fingerprint Background Checks
- AFH Background Check Slideshow
- Character, Competence, and Suitability (CCS) Form DSHS 15-456
- Disqualifying Crimes and Negative Actions WAC 388-113
Forms
- AFH Information Changes Form (DSHS 10-585) Word / PDF
- Disclosure of Charges Form Word / PDF (DSHS 15-449)
- Disclosure of Services Form Word / PDF (DSHS 10-508)
- Instructions for Completing and Submitting Disclosure Forms
- AFH Incident Log (DSHS 13-645)
- Notice of Transfer & Discharge (DSHS 15-458)
- Request for AFH Application Fee Waiver (DSHS 15-436)
- Search DSHS Forms
- Sample AFH Evacuation Drill
- Sample AFH Negotiated Care Plan / Blank Sample
Health care and health care decision making
- Nurse Delegation in Community Based Settings
- Medication Assistance
- 69.41 – Legend Drugs – Prescription Drugs
- Medicaid Rates for Contracted Home & Community Residential Care Services
- Diabetic Test Strips – Reimbursement
- FDA Recalls
- Department Of Health (DOH)
- Flu Information
- Advance Directives & Informed Consent Fact Sheet (Word)
- DOH POLST Information
- Required Reportable Diseases and Conditions
- Side Rail Safety
How do I protect vulnerable adults?
- Make an Online Incident Report
- Abuse of Vulnerable Adults RCW 74.34
- Guidebook: Prevention, Recognition, Resident Protection and Mandated Reporting
- Hotline Poster Mandated Reporters: Understanding Your Responsibilities
- Word Version (Handout Format)Partners in Protection : A Guide for Reporting Vulnerable Adult Abuse – DSHS 22-810(x)
How do I contact RCS and what can I expect during/after inspections?
- Contact RCS
- Inspection Operational Principles & Procedures
- Enforcement Principles & Procedures
- IDR Operational Principles & Procedures
- Insurance Information Requests
- Monitoring Visit / Form
Resources
- AFH Information Sheets
- AFH Annual License Fee
- Request Licensed Bed Capacity Increase (DSHS 06-168)
- Request Licensed Bed Capacity Decrease (DSHS 06-169)
- Resident Rights & Alternate Decision-Makers
- IRS Notice 2014-7, Difficulty of Care Payments
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) & New Federal Rules
- Significant Change Frequently Asked Questions