AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
May 8, 2002
AASA: AFH #2002-014
SUBJECT: CHANGES TO RCW 70.128.120 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
This letter rescinds AASA: AFH #2001-026, dated November 26, 2001.
Effective immediately, recently enacted legislation HB 2444 changed two minimum qualification requirements for Adult Family Home (AFH) providers and resident managers. The first change is to the educational qualification. The new regulatory language states:
"For those applying after September 1, 2001, to be licensed as providers,
and for resident managers whose employment begins after September 1, 2001,
a United States high school diploma or a general educational development
(GED) certificate or any English or translated government documentation
of the following:
- Successful completion of government-approved public or private school education in a foreign country that includes an annual average of one thousand hours of instruction over twelve years or no less than twelve thousand hours of instruction;
- A foreign college, foreign university, or United States community college two-year diploma;
- Admission to, or completion of coursework at, a foreign university or college for which credit was granted;
- Admission to, or completion of coursework at, a United States college or university for which credits were awarded;
- Admission to, or completion of postgraduate coursework at, a United States college or university for which credits were awarded; or
- Successful passage of the United States board examination for registered nursing, or any professional medical occupation for which college or university preparation was required."
The second change, effective immediately, is that AFH providers and resident managers are no longer required to register with the Department of Health.
The changed educational requirements apply to any person whose employment begins after September 1, 2001, as either a new provider or as a resident manager. Current providers seeking additional licenses after September 1, 2001 are subject to the changed requirements, except for the educational requirements. Resident managers who change their place of employment after September 1, 2001 are subject to all of the changed requirements.
Effective immediately, new AFH applicants and resident managers employed after September 1, 2001 will be required to submit a copy of either a (1) U.S. high school diploma; (2) GED certificate; (3) foreign high school, college, or university diploma; (4) transcript of credits granted at a foreign college or university; (5) U.S. community college (2-year) diploma; (6) transcript of credits granted at a U.S. college or university; (7) valid Washington State Registered Nurse license; or (8) valid Washington State license for any professional medical occupation requiring college or university education.
Enclosed is a list of commonly asked questions to assist you in understanding these changes. For more information or if you have questions, please contact your local RCS Field Manager.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
