Changes to Consultation Services at Residential Care Services

WHCA met with RCS director Amy Abbott on April 29, 2025.  During this meeting, we were updated on coming changes to the Quality Improvement Program (QIP) and Behavioral Health Support Team available through RCS.

Changes are due to RCS’s scope of authority and an assistant attorney general’s recommendation to minimize the department’s risks. Specifically, both the QIP and Behavioral Health Support Team will no longer focus or consult on specific, individual resident issues but rather more of a general nature.  For example, rather than requesting a behavioral health support visit because of a resident who is expressing difficult hoarding behaviors, the facility can request the team to provide training on hoarding behaviors and mitigation techniques.

Both teams will be working to reorganize their standards and policies, as well as their website, to better describe the free services offered through both programs.  A Dear Provider/Administrator Letter will be forthcoming to reintroduce the consultation services with new guidelines and expectations.

RCS is considering requesting legislation in the 2026 session to add consultation services to long term care regulations, and to amend the current assisted living law to firm up expectations.  WHCA will work closely with RCS on any future legislation.