Atmospheric Rivers Trigger Evacuations and Regulatory Attention for Long-Term Care Providers

Washington’s recent atmospheric rivers have caused unprecedented flooding across the state, significantly impacting long-term care providers. Some facilities are operating under statewide orders for immediate evacuation, while others are navigating serious disruptions affecting residents and staff—including road closures, supply chain interruptions, and rapidly evolving evacuation directives.

In this environment, providers should anticipate heightened regulatory scrutiny of emergency preparedness plans, evacuation decision-making, and documentation demonstrating how resident safety, health, and dignity are being protected under frequently changing conditions.

WHCA has reached out to DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez and Assistant Secretary Bea Rector to raise our concerns about an inflexible regulatory system that potentially penalizes providers working in good faith to support residents (particularly those facilities willing to accept evacuated residents) and will urge the Department to update the state emergency plan to implement flexibilities that reduce unnecessary regulatory risk for providers acting in good faith to protect a highly vulnerable population during such emergencies.

WHCA would like to acknowledge and thank the extraordinary level of support both member and nonmember facilities shared with those buildings that evacuated or were in line to evacuate.  The sense of community in the long-term care profession is an overwhelming reminder of our shared interests in the residents and staff served.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Elena Madrid or Vicki McNealley at WHCA.