SNF | The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a 300-page memo to outlining revisions to chapters 5 and 7 of the State Operations Manual. AHCA has developed an initial
summary.
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AL SNF | The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) finalized regulations to implement ESHB 1218. While these new regulations pertain to both AL and SNF providers, the regulations are slightly different for each.
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AL | While current Washington state law requires mandatory reporting of certain critical incidents, guidance relating to medication errors are lacking clear expectations. WHCA staff will be involved as stakeholders in the regulatory update process.
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SNF | DSHS filed to repeal of the redundant resident protection program (RPP) in January of 2025, located in WAC 388-97-0660 through 388-97-0840, that are no longer in use. The repeal will go into effect on February 20, 2026.
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SNF | CMS recently released a memo (
QSO-23-01-NH REVISED) updating the selection criteria for the SFF Program. For questions or concerns related to the memo or the SFF program, please contact
[email protected].
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AL SNF | Check out this recent
article from Ballard Spahr's Katheryn Bradley, Christine Thelen, and Brenna R. McLaughlin on the changes to Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act that became effective on January 1, 2026.
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SNF | RCS wants to remind facility providers of the importance of resident/client safety and having naloxone (a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose) in long-term care facilities, including for those who are prescribed painkillers.
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AL | Two WHCA AL members recently shared concerns regarding an inaccurate statement on the DSHS cover letter that is attached to a Statement of Deficiencies (SOD) report. For any questions, please email
Vicki McNealley. Read More
AL | The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is excited to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026! Throughout this year, there will be many opportunities to learn about NCAL, its history, priorities, growth, and success since 2001.
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AL SNF | WHCA is partnering with RCS and LeadingAge to bring you these seasonal forums. Learn about HCLA and RCS structure realignment, how legislation impacts WACS, how rule changes are made, and more. Earn 1.5 CEUs!
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AL | The January 2026 edition of the Background Check Central Unit monthly newsletter has been released! Start off the new year right.
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SNF | The Washington State Board of Nursing (Board) permanently adopted amendments to registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) licensing and continuing competency rules.
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Over the past few weeks, our network of advocates has decisively told Governor Ferguson he made the wrong decisions for long-term care in his supplemental budget proposal. Now it’s time to target...
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