The Assisted Living Care Academy: Perfect for New Wellness Staff

AL ESF SNF | Join WHCA’s Elena Madrid and Vicki McNealley, along with medication systems guru Kelli Carr from Consonus Pharmacy, in June for the Assisted Living Care Academy. This virtual seminar, conveniently scheduled over four nonconsecutive days, offers insight into the overall operations of the wellness center. Read More

Three New DSHS/ALTSA "Dear Provider" Letters Available

AL ESF SNF | Three new "Dear Provider" letters from DSHS/ALTSA are available online, regarding Emergency Preparedness for Extreme Heat, Wildfire Smoke, and Rapid Response Teams in LTC settings. Read More

WHCA's Annual Convention Happening Next Week!

AL ESF SNF | Please note that due to Convention and Memorial Day, WHCA staff availability will be extremely limited from May 20-27. There will be delays in responses to emails, phone calls, and messages during this time, and there will be no WHCA newsletters next week. Read More

Adult Protective Services Functions and Grants Programs: Final Rule Issued

AL ESF SNF | The final rule related to Adult Protective Services Functions and Grants Programs was published on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. It is effective June 7, 2024, and creates the first mandatory federal standards to govern Adult Protective Services policies, procedures, and practices. Each state must comply with this final rule by May 8, 2028, to receive Federal Funding. Read More

Are You Prepared for Measles?

AL ESF SNF | Measles can occur in healthcare settings. Measles planning and preparedness is easy for long-term care providers in all levels of care with the new pamphlet designed specifically for use in resident care settings Measles In Long-Term Care (wa.gov). Read More

RCS Hires New Deputy Director to Provide Oversight to Inspection & Survey Staff

AL ESF SNF | RCS is very excited to announce that they have hired a new Deputy Director, Miriam Mina. Miriam will be starting with RCS on June 7th and RCS looks forward to introducing her properly as soon as she gets settled. Read More

Long-Term Care Award Enrollment and Reporting Now Open for 2023-2024!

AL ESF SNF | Now is the time to apply for recognition with the new LTC Respiratory Immunization Award. The award is open to LTC providers from all levels of care. You can enroll and report any time through June 3, 2024. The data reporting period is from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Read More

The DSHS Background Check Central Unit Website Updates

AL ESF SNF | BCCU has updated their website! Their new site is built for easy access to important information and updates. Read More

Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act – Reminder for Providers

AL ESF SNF | This week we heard from a provider who had questions about Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunity Act. Here is the Department of Labor and Industries Administrative Policy that provides guidance on compliance. Read More

WABON is Now Accepting Spring Quarter Applications for the Student Nurse Preceptorship Grant

AL ESF SNF | Please join WABON for a 30-minute information session starting this spring 2024 through summer 2024. The information sessions will go through updates, step-by-step how to apply, common errors, and Q&A at the end. Read More

Partnering for Progress in Addressing Dementia – Webinars On Washington’s Action Plan for Dementia

AL ESF SNF | DSHS' Dementia Action Collaborative is hosting a webinar you won't want to miss. Discover Washington State's comprehensive plan for addressing dementia and learn how YOU can make a difference. Read More

Polystyrene Ban Extends to Food Service Products Starting June 1

AL ESF | The Washington plastic law, passed in 2021, will reduce the use of single-use plastics. The law has been implemented in phases. On June 1, the plastics ban is extended to expanded polystyrene products. Read More

Employment Updates: FTC’s Final Non-Compete Rule and DOL’s Overtime Rule

AL ESF SNF | On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission’s Final Non-Compete Rule and U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Overtime Rule were released. AHCA/NCAL commented on the proposed rules during the open comment periods and has developed a summary of the final rules. Read More

Mental Health Resources for Nurses

AL ESF SNF | Working in healthcare is rewarding, but also stressful. Resources can be difficult to locate when needed. So, WABON has put together a helpful list. Read More

Nurses Week is May 6-12. Let's Get Ready to Celebrate!

AL ESF SNF | WABON is excited to celebrate Washington nurses and the joys of practice during Nurses Week 2024. They will highlight both on their upcoming social media launch and through other communication avenues. Read More

Opportunity to Help Improve the Safe Medication Return System

AL ESF SNF | The Safe Medication Return system at the Department of Health launched an awareness survey of health care providers (including veterinarians and pharmacists) and law enforcement staff. Your input will help the department assess awareness, attitudes, and use of Safe Medication Return services and benefits. Read More

Candidates for the WHCA Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 period

AL ESF SNF | Candidates for the WHCA Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 period have been selected. Ballots will be sent via email on May 1, 2024, to all voting members.

CMS Released Medicaid Rules for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

AL ESF | Biden administration as rules impacting Medicaid-funded skilled nursing, assisted living and enhanced services facilities were finalized and released by CMS this week. Read More

Capital Add-On and Bridge Rate Eligibility for State Fiscal Year 2025

AL ESF | The DSHS Office of Rates Management will be calculating eligibility for the Capital Add-On rate and the Bridge Rate for State Fiscal Year 2025 on Monday, May 6th, 2024. Read More

Environmental Risk Assessment - Suicide and Self-Harm

ESF | Information from DSHS/ALTSA regarding the above topic is now available online. Read More

WCN Washington Clinical Practice Initiative Regional Meetings in May

AL ESF SNF | The WCN Clinical Placement Initiative is underway! See the attached flyer for the full schedule here. Read More

Announcing the Spring 2024 Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Enhanced Services Facility Forum

AL ESF | WHCA, DSHS, and LeadingAge would like to invite you to participate in Aging and Long-Term Care Support Administration, Division of Residential Care Services Spring 2024 NH, ALF, and ESF Forum next month. Read More

A message from the Department of Health’s Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) team

AL ESF SNF | There's only 2 weeks left until the launch of HELMS Lite on Wednesday, April 24th! To ensure everyone is prepared, the DOH is sharing information about what is not and what is changing with the launch of HELMS Lite and how you can learn more. Read More

Construction Review Services at DOH: Box.com Now Includes Terms of Service

AL ESF SNF | On Friday, April 5, 2024, DOH rolled out new security features for external Box.com users that requires acceptance of new Terms of Service. Read More

Amplify the LTC Workforce Crisis: Complete the Sentinel Network Survey by 4/17!

AL ESF SNF | It is critical that policymakers understand the dilemmas of a system that does not support workers. The Health Workforce Sentinel Network is open and collecting workforce data through April 17, 2024. We urge you to take 15 minutes to complete the latest survey. Read More

DSHS/ALTSA Update on NAC and HCA Credentialing Backlogs

AL ESF SNF | Information regarding the above topic is now available online. Read More

WHCA Board of Directors Call for Nominations

AL ESF SNF | If you are a WHCA member in good standing and have an interest in this important leadership role, the WHCA Call for Nominations is open. Read More

OSHA Regulation of Infectious Disease in Long Term Care

AL ESF SNF | While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not currently have a specific infection prevention standard tailored for long term care facilities, it regulates employee exposure to infectious disease through the OSHA General Duty Clause and other existing standards. Read More

Grassroots Update: Help Us Help You

AL ESF SNF | Take this quick survey to help us make advocacy work better for you. Read More

Join the New DOH Quarterly Long-Term Care Call: Infection Prevention

AL ESF SNF | The DOH is launching a new quarterly long-term care call. Join April 1 to review the updated CDC respiratory virus guidance with the DOH and additional subject matter experts. Read More

COVID-19 Vaccines Updates Webinar: April 2

AL ESF SNF | NHSN is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, April 2 providing an overview of important updates to the definition of long-term care reporting for COVID-19 vaccines. Read More

DSHS Releases Important "Dear Provider/Administrator" Updates

AL ESF SNF | DSHS has released several new "Dear Provider/Administrator" letters. Read More

WHCA Board of Directors Call for Nominations Opens April 3

AL ESF SNF | If you are a WHCA member in good standing and have an interest in joining the Board of Directors, watch for the Call for Nominations to open on April 3, 2024. Read More

Addressing the Challenge: Workplace Violence in LTC Settings

AL SNF | This article will cover some of the practical and regulatory issues with workplace violence in LTC settings, exploring its history, expectations, and anticipated action for prevention and intervention. Read More

Health Workforce Educators, Policymakers, and Advocates Want to Hear From You

AL ESF SNF | Share your health workforce needs with those who can help solve them! The WA Sentinel Network invites you to participate by sharing insights on several topics. Read More

Effective July 1st, 2024, DSHS will end these training courses- Traumatic Brain Injury: Strategies for Surviving & Thriving and Navigating Challenging Behaviors

AL ESF | The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) strives to offer the most up to date training for long-term care workers. Effective July 1st, 2024, they are sunsetting the above outdated continuing education training material. Read More

DOH Continues to Have Resources for Fit Testing and Respiratory Protection Programs

AL ESF SNF | While the Department of Health is no longer able to offer free medical evaluations through 3M, they do have a variety of classes to support long-term care facilities with their respiratory protection program. Read More

WA State Department of Health Quarterly Call

AL ESF SNF | The Washington State Department of Health and other infection prevention partners are implementing a quarterly call for long-term care settings. Read More

CDC Releases New Respiratory Virus Guidance for Community Based Settings

AL ESF | On 03/01/2024, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released changes regarding the Respiratory Virus Guidance. A decision whether the DOH will adopt these changes for our home and community-based settings is yet to be announced. Read More

Nurse Licensure Compact Information

AL ESF SNF | WABON continues to hear from nurses that they are unaware of the ability or logistics to obtain a multistate license in Washington State. Attached is a flyer to help support a better understanding of this licensure option. Read More

New HCA Employer/Training Program Online Exam Voucher Payment Process Effective Now

AL ESF | On February 29, 2024, Prometric, the Department of Health (department) exam vendor for the home care aide profession, launched their new online Client Voucher Portal allowing HCA employers, training programs, and third-party payers to purchase vouchers for their employees or students to use to pay for their exams. Read More

Opportunity to Serve: Nursing Home Administrator Board Seeks Members

AL ESF SNF | The Washington State Board of Nursing Home Administrators is currently seeking board members. Applications are due by April 5, 2024. Read More

Community Behavior Health Supports Client Payment Changes in Progress

AL ESF | If you are a provider serving clients approved for behavioral health personal care (BHPC) services, you should have received notification from the Washington State Health Care Authority about changes in the way this contract is being managed. Read More

Reminders for Residents with Electronic Cigarettes

AL ESF SNF | Electronic cigarettes are being used more frequently by residents in skilled nursing facilities. Here are some reminders on regulations and safety concerns related to e-cigarettes in facilities. Read More

Upcoming Webinar: Independent Contractors Final Rule and LTC Provider Impact

AL ESF SNF | Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor published a final rule, entitled Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which goes into effect on March 11, 2024. Read More

DSHS/ALTSA New LTC Provider Information

AL ESF SNF | DSHS/ALTSA has published new information on two important topics pertaining to long-term care. Read More

New DSHS "Dear Provider" Letters

AL ESF SNF | A new provider/administrator letter is now available online regarding the above topic. Read More

DOH Continues to Offer Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) Resources

AL ESF SNF | While the Department of Health is no longer able to offer free medical evaluations through 3M, they do continue to have a variety of classes to support long term care facilities with all aspects of their respiratory protection program. Read More

Feb 13 2024 | Become Familiar with and Prepared for a DOSH Inspection

Washington State Labor and Industries’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has instituted a Local Emphasis Program (LEP) for enforcement that targets industrial hygiene... Read More

Feb 15 2024 | Become Familiar with and Prepared for a DOSH Inspection

Washington State Labor and Industries’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has instituted a Local Emphasis Program (LEP) for enforcement that targets industrial hygiene... Read More

Join the Washington State Board of Nursing

AL ESF SNF | WABON is seeking new members! If you are interested in protecting the public’s health and safety by regulating the competency and quality of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners and nursing technicians, you are encouraged to apply. Read More

WA Department of Health Home Care Aide Program Announcements

AL ESF | The following information is for those who are currently pending their initial application for a home care aide certification with the Department of Health. If you are currently certified, left the profession, or otherwise – you will not be required to retake the certification exam, this is only informational. Read More

DSHS Background Check Central Unit January Newsletter

AL ESF SNF | Read More

WA State LTC Ombudsman Releases Regional Roster and Contact Information

AL ESF SNF | The state LTC Ombuds, Paticia Hunter has released an updated contact list and regional roster of Ombuds persons. Read More

Cold Temperature Sprinkler and Pipe Safety Message from the Washington State Fire Marshal

AL ESF SNF | Recent severe cold weather resulted in many residential care facilities and homes in our state with broken pipes and/or damaged sprinkler systems. Our State Fire Marshal has prepared some tips to help you prevent any future damage to property and interruption in operations because of severe inclement weather. Read More

Join the WCN Clinical Placement Initiative!

AL ESF SNF | WCN is looking for state-wide stakeholders to join our Clinical Placement Initiative. This Initiative aims to transform clinical placement opportunities for nursing programs in Washington State. Read More

Provider Letter on COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting Requirements

AL ESF SNF | A new provider letter is now available online regarding the above topic. Read More

Dementia Action Collaborative Survey Now Open

AL ESF SNF | The Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) is seeking input from providers about barriers and challenges of screening, diagnosing, and caring for people living with dementia. Read More

WA Board of Nursing Preceptor Grant Process Update

AL ESF SNF | WA Board of Nursing is now accepting submissions for Winter 2024! The deadline to apply for grant reimbursement is April 15, 2024. Read More

New Health Equity Continuing Education Requirement

AL ESF SNF | Washington nurses must meet health equity continuing education to renew their license. These requirements must be done during the renewal period and can't carry over. Read More

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. Updates for LTC Providers

Stay up to date with vaccines Get vaccinated against flu, RSV and COVID-19: Protect against flu, RSV, and COVID-19 flyer. COVID-19, flu, RSV, Pneumococcal... Read More

DOSH Emphasis Program for Long-Term Care Facilities

AL ESF SNF | More information is forthcoming, but WHCA has been informed through our partners at ERNWest that there is an emphasis program regarding industrial hygiene for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Read More

LTC Staff Vaccine Access Resources

AL ESF SNF | A new factsheet which aims to help explain health insurance plan coverage details for updated COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine accessibility has been added to the CDC website. Read More

WA Multistate License Application Opens Jan. 31, 2024

AL ESF SNF | Starting Jan. 31, 2024, nurses whose primary state of residence (PSOR) is Washington will be able to apply for a multistate license. Read More

Notice of Outbreak Definition Change for Long-Term Care

AL ESF SNF | The Department of Health has adopted the updated COHRA/CSTE outbreak definition for healthcare on January 1^st. Read More

Winter Weather Advisory

AL ESF SNF | The National Weather Service (NWS) reports an extremely active period of weather will begin in earnest today as the region will see heavy mountain snow, lowland rain, strong winds, and possible coastal flooding through midweek. Read More

Personal Protective Equipment, Hazard Assessment Standard, and the Hierarchy of Controls

AL ESF SNF | OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standard closely relates to the general duty clause in that it is up to the employer to recognize (or assess) the hazards specific to their center and then control those hazards. However, it is important to note that before we begin to select and distribute PPE to employees, we are required to first conduct a Hazard Assessment. Read More

New BCCU Video Tutorial on Additional Needed Notifications

BCCU is excited to announce the release of their new YouTube tutorial on Additional Needed notifications. Read More

Home Care Aide Exam Updates

AL ESF | Washington State Department of Health recently shared the upcoming changes to the way caregivers will schedule and pay for their home care aide exam. These changes are on track to be implemented in February 2024. Read More

CDC Health Alert & Advisory

AL ESF SNF | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Health Advisory through the Health Alert Network (HAN) addressing concerning trends for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This alert refers to all healthcare providers and settings. Read More

DSHS Provider Letter: Vaccine Reminder

A provider letter regarding the following topic is now available online: COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and Pneumococcal Vaccination Reminder Read More

DOH Support for 3M Online Medical Evaluations Ends This Month.

Access to your DOH sponsored 3M account will stop on December 30, 2023. Please update your account now by archiving the employees that have left... Read More

Urgent Background Checks Update

AL ESF SNF | In March of 2020, Governor Inslee introduced an emergency proclamation that temporarily suspended the law that requires long-term care workers to complete fingerprint-based background checks. On October 27, 2022, the emergency proclamation was lifted, and BCCU is planning to reintroduce closing (expiring) background check inquiries beginning January 1st, 2024. Read More

Grassroots Update: The Advocacy Exchange

The Advocacy Exchange, an all-new quarterly publication specifically focusing on WHCA’s year-round advocacy community, will arrive in your inbox next Tuesday, December 19. Read More

New DSHS "Dear Administrator" Letters

| AL | SNF | DSHS has issued two new letters for long-term care facility administrators. Read More

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Update

The WA DOH appreciates all the collective work and effort done to protect LTC residents from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, there is more work to be done. Read More

Nominate Your Staff for the 2023 National Ceca Award

AL SNF ESF | Do you know a caregiver working in a health care community who has made a difference in someone’s life because of the care they provide? If so, Ceca wants to share your stories of exceptional care! Read More

Our Warmest Thanks to You!

This Thanksgiving season, we wanted to take a moment and express our genuine gratitude for all of our wonderful members. Read More

Updated Visitation Videos for Long-Term Care Settings

AL SNF ESF | The Strategic Partners Program in the Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance section of the Washington State Department of Health is pleased to announce the release of three updated educational videos to help visitors to long-term care settings learn about basic infection control measures for preventing COVID-19, flu, and other infectious diseases. Read More

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week Resources

AL SNF ESF | The Washington State Department of Health’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Team would like to wish you a Happy U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week! Their team is proud to announce that two new resources are available now. Read More

DSHS Mental Health Level 1 Specialty Training is now available in CareLearn!

AL ESF | This fully online training fulfills requirements for Mental Health Specialty Training (See WAC 388-112A-0450). Read More

A Guide to Federal OSHA and State OSH Programs

AL SNF ESF | AHCA/NCAL has published a guide for OSHA regulations for long-term care providers to easily reference. Read More

RCS & Providers Connect This November 29

AL ESF SNF | Join RCS leadership to learn more about their strategies and to share issues and challenges providers face. Read More

DSHS Letter Regarding House Bill 1964

AL ESF | A letter to AFH, ALF, ESF, and CCRSS providers/administrators is now available online. Read More

2023 IHCA/WHCA Fall Conference

We would like to express our gratitude for the sponsors, speakers, supporters, and attendees who helped make the 2023 Fall Conference a resounding success. Read More

BCCU October Newsletter

The Washington State Department of Social and Health services has published their October 2023 Background Check Central Unit Newsletter. Read More

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

The approval of the new COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024 has triggered a change in the NHSN surveillance definition of "up to date" with the COVID-19 vaccine. Read More

Food Safety Alert: Salmonella Outbreak

AL SNF ESF | The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a food safety alert regarding a Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh diced onions. Read More

Public Rule Workshops: Nursing Credential Opportunities

The Washington State Board of Nursing (board) filed a CR-101 on August 4, 2023, under WSR 23-17-011 to consider amendments to nursing education rules in response to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill (E2SSB) 5582 (Chapter 126, Laws of 2023). Read More

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