Key Takeaways from April 29 RCS Forum for SNF and AL

The April 29 Residential Care Services (RCS) forum offered helpful regulatory updates and resources for assisted living and skilled nursing facility providers across Washington State. WHCA commends DSHS for supporting providers with up-to-date information and resources, and we encourage you to attend these excellent sessions. If you missed our spring forum, view the recording here.

• DSHS Regional Contacts Update: Bett Schlemmer, Deputy Assistant to the Director of Residential Care Services, provided an update on key contacts in DSHS regions, and information about the DSHS Infection Control website.
• Fire Marshal Inspections: What to Expect: State Fire Marshal Jason Van Gorkum and Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Barbara Maier each delivered a comprehensive overview of fire safety inspections, including a documentation review checklist used during site visits.
• Insider tip: Fire Marshal inspections typically take place approximately 90 days before a facility’s annual inspection for assisted living, giving providers a valuable timeline for preparation. Fire Marshal-Life Safety Code surveys are part of the annual recertification survey for nursing homes.
• Fit Right Connect: Jane Davis of Landmark Care and Rehabilitation discussed the use of Medline’s incontinence monitoring system and the facility’s success at improving resident care and dignity-related incontinence, skin breakdown, and falls.
• Fall Reduction Best Practices: Molly Jones and Angie Frantz of Prestige Senior Living highlighted innovative practices and strategies their teams are using to effectively reduce falls among residents—an ongoing quality and safety priority.

Access Forum Resources All materials shared by presenters are available now at the WHCA Learning Hub.