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:
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[Chapter 388-76 WAC, Adult Family Home Minimum Licensing Requirements,
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Chapter 388-78A WAC, Assisted Living Facility Licensing Rules,
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Chapter 388-97 WAC, Nursing Homes, and
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Chapter 388-107 WAC, Licensing Requirements for Enhanced Services Facilities]
This rulemaking project will address the following subjects:
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Facility communication system, resident access to communications, and facility responsiveness to outside communications.
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Comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, related policies and procedures, and equipment for a range of potential hazards, emergencies, and disasters.
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Visitation of essential support persons.
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Resident’s rights to a safe and healthy environment.
Overview
Rulemaking Milestone |
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CR-101 Filed |
01/26/22 |
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CR-102 Filed |
05/05/25 |
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CR-103 Filed |
08/06/25 |
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CR-104 Filed |
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CR-105 Filed |
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Public Comment/Hearing |
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Meeting Information
Meeting Date |
Title |
Topics Covered |
Registration Link |
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May 8, 2024 |
Recap Communications |
Communication systems Timely communications with resident's Emergency contacts Timely communications with interested parties Requesting emergency assistance |
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June 12, 2024 |
Resident Communication/Visitation |
Essential Support Persons Disaster visitation policy & procedures Resident's communication and access rights |
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July 24, 2024 |
Disaster Plans |
Disaster Preparedness Plan Requirements Evacuation & Transfer Inspection Procedures On Duty Staff Responsibilities |
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August 21, 2024 |
Resident Rights/Health & Safety |
Resident Essential Needs Resident Roster Personal protective equipment (PPE) Posting Stop Placement Requirement |
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September 18, 2024 |
Wrap Up |
Incomplete items Parking lot items |
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Info. Sessions On New Rules:
Meeting Date |
Title |
Topics Covered |
Registration Link |
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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. |
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. |
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 |
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” |
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