Mar 21 2025 | Disclosure of Services
Every assisted living facility must disclose the scope of care and services it offers. This information must be completed on the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) approved disclosure form, and provided to residents and the resident’s representative, if the resident has one, at the time of admission. It must be provided to any interested consumers upon request.
The best way to consider the Disclosure of Services form is to view it as a menu. The items listed as “yes” on the document are on the menu and must be provided to any resident wanting or needing that service. The provider has the opportunity, beneath each section, to provide additional details about that item, including any limitations in the provision of said service.
The menu also accounts for some special items that may not be listed, but still available on a limited basis. WAC 388-78A-2710 (6) states that, in summary, even if a resident’s condition might exceed the disclosed scope of care and services, the assisted living may choose to exceed that care or service disclosed in order to reasonably accommodate the resident. Add to that the fact that WAC 388-78A-2710 (7) expressly states that if the facility chooses to go beyond their disclosed care or service for even one resident, that does not mean the facility must now provide that care or service for all residents. The facility may also deny admission to prospective residents that might need the same level of care or service that has already been reasonably accommodated.
Sticking the menu analogy, there are some timelines associated with changing the menu of options. Changes require written notice to all current residents and their representatives. The timelines are as follows:
- PROMPTLY:
- Any increase in scope of care and service available by the assisted living facility, including the date when the increased offerings will be available
- 30 DAYS BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE:
- Any decrease in scope of care or services provided by the assisted living, due to circumstances beyond the assisted living facility’s control
- Any voluntary decrease in scope of care or service provided by the assisted living facility, and any decrease will not result in the discharge of any residents
- 90 DAYS BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE:
- Any voluntary decrease in the scope of care or services provided by the assisted living facility, and any of these changes will result in the discharge of one or more residents
There is no requirement for the assisted living facility to post their Disclosure of Services form, nor must the facility send an updated version to DSHS for review or approval. Residential Care Services (RCS) licensors will request a copy during a full inspection and perhaps during a complaint investigation.
It is suggested that the facility leadership routinely review their Disclosure of Services form for accuracy and make necessary updates. This is especially essential with change in administrator, as the “more information” section at the end of the document requires current contact information as well as a telephone number and email address. Be sure to provide current residents and their representatives with written notice of any changes to the form and maintain proof of that notice for future reference.
For questions about the Disclosure of Services form, or any other assisted living regulations, please email Vicki McNealley or call 360-352-3304 extension 107.