AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2009 AFH "Dear Provider" Letters

July 2, 2009

ADSA: AFH 2009-011
2009 LEGISLATION RELATED TO MEDICAID

Dear Adult Family Home Provider:

The 2009 legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 6009 related to whether or not the home accepts Medicaid as a payment source. The Governor signed the bill into law on May 14, 2009, and it will become effective July 26, 2009.

The provisions of the bill are listed below and will be codified into chapter 70.129 RCW later this year:

• An adult family home must fully disclose to residents the home's policy on accepting Medicaid as a payment source.
• The policy must clearly state the circumstances under which the home provides care for Medicaid eligible residents and for residents who may later become eligible for Medicaid (in other words, private pay residents who later become eligible for and transfer to the Medicaid program as their funding source).
• The policy must be provided to residents orally and in writing before admission, in a language that the resident or the resident's representative understands.
• The written policy must be in type font no smaller than fourteen point and written on a page that is separate from other documents.
• The policy must be signed and dated by the resident or the resident's representative, if the resident lacks capacity. The facility must keep a copy of the signed policy.
• Current residents must receive a copy of the policy by the July 26, 2009.

By July 26, 2009, you must meet these requirements. We will inform you about any changes to the licensing rules, which may be adopted to implement or enforce the law.

Thank you for your commitment to the vulnerable residents of Washington.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services