AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2008 AFH "Dear Provider" Letters
May 21, 2008
ADSA: AFH #2008-010
2008 Legislation re: Domestic Partnerships - Rights
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
On March 12, 2008 the Governor signed Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 3104 into law. This law provides rights to domestic partners in boarding homes who are “state registered domestic partners”.
2SHB 3104 becomes effective June 12, 2008. Please read sections 304 and 1201 online at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202008/3104-S2.SL.pdf for specific details. The requirements of 2SHB 3104 that pertain to adult family homes are:
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.129.140 Quality of life –rights, has been amended;
- The law defines domestic partnership as “state registered domestic partnership”; and
- Residents who are married to each other or in a domestic partnership with each other have the right to share a double room when they live in the same facility and both consent to the arrangement.
The current adult family home Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-76-10645, states the provider must ensure that each resident has the ability to share a double room with his or her spouse when both spouses consent to the arrangement. The department may amend this section and other sections to reflect the change in law.
If you have questions, please contact your RCS Field Manager.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
