Regulatory Updates Coming to Address Reporting of Serious Medication Errors

Residential Care Services (RCS) issued a Dear Provider Letter on January 29, 2026, announcing proposed amendments to WAC 388-78A to reflect current federal law requiring reporting of certain critical incidents.

While current Washington state law requires mandatory reporting of certain critical incidents, guidance relating to medication errors are lacking clear expectations. Specifically, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) requires assurances that “a medication error resulting in a telephone call to, or a consultation with, a poison control center, an emergency department visit, an urgent care visit, a hospitalization, or death” be reported to the Department.

WHCA staff will be involved as stakeholders in this regulatory update process and will keep members apprised of the upcoming changes in regulation.

For questions, please email Vicki McNealley at the WHCA office.