Announcements
New Rules effective Jan. 1, 2026, to comply with federal Home and Community Based Settings requirements.
The rules require AFH, ALF, and ESF to have a “residency agreement” with residents who have Medicaid as a payor. The purpose of the agreement is to provide resident protections for eviction and appeals comparable to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. AFH, ALF, and ESF must also provide written notice to Medicaid residents of their right to legal assistance when issuing a notice of transfer or discharge.
- Find the provider letter, slide deck presentation, Q & A, and FAQ here.
- Optional forms available for use on Jan. 1, 2026:
- HCLA Residency Agreement Language Template (DSHS 16-302).
- Notice of Transfer or Discharge (DSHS 15-458). The form can be used for all resident discharges, but its use is not required. If you choose to use the Notice of Transfer or Discharge form, distribution of the form to the Long-term Care Ombuds and DSHS case manager is required only for residents with Medicaid:
- Long-Term Care Ombuds: email the Notice of Transfer or Discharge to Discharges@mschelps.org or send by e-fax (253) 216-3699.
- DSHS case manager: use your established methods to send the Notice of Transfer or Discharge.
- The long-term care discharge defense screening line phone number on is (888) 437-0017. You must include it in any discharge notice to a resident with Medicaid. This number must also be included in your residency agreement.
- Find more information about this and other RCS rulemaking projects here: HCLA RCS Rulemaking | DSHS (page updates in progress; check back regularly).
Please ensure you are using the current ALF License Application (DSHS 10-591). Effective May 1, 2026, applications received with a revision date other than March 2026 (Rev. 03/2026) in the bottom left-hand corner will be rejected.
Retention Toolkit Available. Providers and administrators can access free supervisory tools, online courses, and free CEs through CareLearnWA, a provider of training and resources for direct care staff. The Retention Toolkit helps supervisors and managers of direct care staff address retention issues, reduce high turnover rates, and continue providing quality care. The toolkit will be initially available to supervisors of staff who are not members of the Service Employees International Union. Available modules include Onboarding, Communication, Recognition, and Wellness, and a new module addressing Harassment, Abuse, and Discrimination of caregivers. Set up a free account and access the toolkit by visiting https://carelearnwa.com/.
Background checks during and after licensure:
If you have any questions about assisted living facilities or the application process, please contact Resource Support and Development at resourcedevelopment@dshs.wa.gov.
- About Assisted Living Facilities
- ALF Information Changes (DSHS 10-601)
- Administrators
- CareLearn Washington
- Department Training
- Documentation (WAC 388-78A-2550)
- Qualifications (WAC 388-78A-2520)
- Residential Non-Payment FAQs
- Training Program (WAC 388-78-2530)
- Training Requirements (WAC 388-78A-2540)
- Applications
- Background Check
- Assisted Living Facility Locator
- Assisted Living Quality Measures Project
- Change in Bed Capacity or Licensed Rooms Form (DSHS 06-176)
- Character, Competence, and Suitability (CCS) Determination Form (DSHS 15-456)
- Citation Frequency & Related Data
- Dementia Screening Tool (DSHS 13-692A)
- Certification of Memory Care Services
- Disclosure of Services Form ( DSHS 10-351)
- DSHS Forms
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fact Sheet: Reporting and Investigating Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in ALFs – Regulations vs. Procedures
- FDA Recalls
- Information about FDA food, drug and other product recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
- To receive e-mail updates of FDA recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts, visit https://subscriberhelp.granicus.com/s/article/Subscriber-Help-Center
- Flu Information
- Guidebook: Prevention & Protection, Incident Identification, Investigation, and Reporting (DSHS 22-1749)
- Health-Care Decision Making
- Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and New Federal Rules slideshow for providers
- Hotline Poster
- Infection Control Essentials for Community Programs – PowerPoint Presentation
- Insurance Information Requests (Word Format)
- ALF Monitoring Visit
- Mandated Reporters: Understanding Your Responsibilities
- PDF Version (Brochure Format)
- Word Version (Handout Format)
- Partners in Protection: A Guide for Reporting Vulnerable Adult Abuse - DSHS 22-810(x)
- Provider Letters
- RCS Standard Operating Procedures Manual
- Reports
- Required Reportable Diseases and Conditions
- Resident Rights & Alternate Decision-Makers
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
- Side Rail Safety
- Specialized Dementia Care Program in Assisted Living Facilities
- Training Information for ALFs
- Tuberculosis (TB) Resources
- Department of Health TB Risk Assessment and Questionnaire
- Department of Health TB Resources and Updates
- Interferon Gamma Release Assays
- Testing and Diagnosis
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for Assisted Living Facilities