November 21, 2012_AFH "Dear Provider" Letters

November 21, 2012

ADSA:  AFH #2012-018
AFH "WAC BOOKS"

Dear Adult Family Home Provider 

Effective January 1, 2013, the Department will no longer offer a hard copy "AFH WAC Book". The "Book" contained a printed compilation of commonly requested AFH regulations:
The primary laws and rules applicable to adult family homes are:

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) (also known as laws)

  • 70.128 - Adult Family Homes
  • 70.129 - Long-Term Care Resident Rights
  • 74.34 - Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
  • 69.41 - Legend Drugs - Prescription Drugs
  • 43.190 - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) (also known as rules)

  • 388-76 – AFH Minimum Licensing Requirements
  • 388-112 – Residential Long-Term Care Services
  • 246-888 - Medication Assistance
  • 388-105 - Medicaid Rates for Contracted Home & Community Residential Care Services
  • 365-18 - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
  • 51-51.0325 – Building Code – Section R325
  • 246-840-910 through 960 - Nursing Delegation in Community-Based Settings

Rulemaking actions such as proposed amendments, hearings, emergency rule filings and permanent changes occur frequently.  It is more efficient, then, for you to access the information and download/print current versions of laws/regulations from the internet as necessary.  You will continue to receive letters from the Department notifying you of any rulemaking actions such as CR-101, CR-102 and CR-103.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the licensee to know the current laws and rules.  Links to the laws and rules above are available at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/afh.htm under "Regulations for Owning & Operating an Adult Family Home".

Thank you for your continued commitment to Washington's vulnerable population.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director 
Residential Care Services