Information for Assisted Living Facility Professionals

Announcements

Assisted Living Facility Online Incident Report Document Uploads

Assisted Living Facilities can upload PDF (portable document format) documents in the “Online Incident Report” (OIR) portal for initial mandatory reporting and five working days follow-up reporting for facility-reported incidents* (FRIs). The Department added document upload functions to initial mandatory reporting and follow-up reporting screens.  Provide as much information as possible at the time of reporting and upload. Do not upload and submit background check documents.   File names must be unique.  Individual file size is 5MB and overall upload is 15 MBs.  DSHS Community Program “Exhibit 359” Follow-Up Investigation Report is a recommended document to upload for follow up reports.  Below is the link.  The Department formatted the exhibit so providers can download them, enter information, and upload into OIR at the time of reporting. Save the exhibit and any other documents uploaded as PDFs.

Links: Exhibit 359 Form - 27-276 Upload Guide  

* Follow up reporting is done for the purpose of the “proof of concept” FRI pilot. Facility-reported incidents are the same as mandatory reports.

Please ensure you are using the current ALF License Application (DSHS 10-591). Effective September 1, 2026, applications received with a revision date other than July 2026 (Rev. 07/2026) in the bottom left-hand corner will be rejected.

New Rules effective January 1, 2026, to comply with federal Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) 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 January 1, 2026:
  • HCLA Residency Agreement Language Template (DSHS 16-302).
  • Notice of Transfer or Discharge (DSHS 15-458). Distribution of the form to the Long-term Care Ombuds and DSHS case manager is required only for residents with Medicaid:
    • DSHS case manager: Send via fax (855) 635-8305 or mail to DMS at PO Box 45826 Olympia, WA 98599-5826
    • Long-Term Care Ombuds:  email the Notice of Transfer or Discharge to Discharges@mschelps.org  or send by e-fax (253) 216-3699.
• The long-term care discharge defense screening line phone number 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.
• Check for information about other RCS rulemaking projects here ALTSA RCS Rulemaking | DSHS.

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 (SEIU). 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:

• For new license applications
• For change of ownership

If you have any questions regarding Assisted Living Facilities and the application process, please reach out to Resource Support and Development at resourcedevelopment@dshs.wa.gov.