Disaster Preparedness Rulemaking- Project 2

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is considering rulemaking to implement specific sections of Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1218 (Chapter 159, Laws of 2021) passed by the legislature during the 2021 legislative session. The rulemaking will focus on disaster preparedness in long-term care settings in order to support providers in protecting the health and safety of residents in times of crisis.

The status of this rulemaking project is in interested party engagement.

DSHS is conducting rulemaking which may amend the following WAC chapters: 

  • [Chapter 388-76 WAC, Adult Family Home Minimum Licensing Requirements, 

  • Chapter 388-78A WAC, Assisted Living Facility Licensing Rules, 

  • Chapter 388-97 WAC, Nursing Homes, and 

  • Chapter 388-107 WAC, Licensing Requirements for Enhanced Services Facilities] 

This rulemaking project will address the following subjects: 

  • Facility communication system, resident access to communications, and facility responsiveness to outside communications. 

  • Comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, related policies and procedures, and equipment for a range of potential hazards, emergencies, and disasters. 

  • Visitation of essential support persons. 

  • Resident’s rights to a safe and healthy environment. 

Overview

Rulemaking Milestone

 

 

CR-101 Filed

01/26/22

WSR 22-04-047

CR-102 Filed

05/05/25

WSR 25-10-071 

CR-103 Filed

08/06/25

WSR 25-16-099 

CR-104 Filed

 

 

CR-105 Filed

 

 

Public Comment/Hearing

 

 

 

Meeting Information

Meeting Date

Title

Topics Covered

Registration Link

May 8, 2024

Recap Communications

Communication systems 

Timely communications with resident's Emergency contacts 

Timely communications with interested parties 

Requesting emergency assistance 

 

June 12, 2024

Resident Communication/Visitation

Essential Support Persons

Disaster visitation policy & procedures

Resident's communication and access rights

 

July 24, 2024

Disaster Plans

Disaster Preparedness Plan Requirements

Evacuation & Transfer

Inspection Procedures

On Duty Staff Responsibilities

 

August 21, 2024

Resident Rights/Health & Safety

Resident Essential Needs

Resident Roster

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Posting Stop Placement Requirement

 

September 18, 2024

Wrap Up

Incomplete items

Parking lot items

 

Info. Sessions On New Rules: 

Meeting Date

Title

Topics Covered

Registration Link

September 8, 2025  Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Info Session AFH 

Essential support person defined and added to WAC, must allow access during a public health emergency or other threat  

Create and maintain a resident roster with room identifier. Provide to LTC Ombuds or DSHS staff immediately upon request.   

Join the meeting now 

Slide deck for this meeting has been added below to the Resources section 

September 9, 2025  Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session ALF 

Adding the definition of an essential support person 

Adding additional groups of people, the resident has the right to contact 

Adding resident’s emergency contact communication 

Adding a timeline to staff training specific to the disaster plan training 

Adding coordination with local and state agencies and LTC ombuds 

Adding element for regular maintenance and ordering of PPE in a preparedness capacity 

Adding contact with the Essential Support Person 

Adding requirement to post stop placement orders in the facility. 

Adding language that non-pay phones for residents is to allow communication between residents and family and entities important to them. 

Join the meeting now 

Slide deck for this meeting has been added below to the Resources section 

September 16, 2025  Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session NH

Adding the definition of essential support persons 

Adding the right to “timely” communication 

Adding communication with state and local agencies and LTC ombuds 

Adding access to an ESP as outlined in RCW 70.129.190 

Telephone on resident care units 

Adding emergency contacts

Join the meeting now 

Slide deck for this meeting has been added below to the Resources section 

September 17, 2025  Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session ESF

Adding the definition of essential support person 

Adding posting of stop placement order   Adding a header: “civil penalties” 

Join the meeting now 

Slide deck for this meeting has been added below to the Resources section 

Other Resources

SLIDE DECKS FROM INFO SESSION: 

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session AFH-PDF  

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session ALF-PDF  

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session NH-PDF  

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2 Q and A Session ESF-PDF  

Q&A DOCUMENTS FROM INFO SESSION: 

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2- AFH Info Session Q&A 

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2- ALF Info Session Q&A 

Disaster Preparedness 1218 Project 2- NH Info Session Q&A 

 

Status: 
Active Rulemaking
Program/Facility Type: 
Cross Programs