What is Required to Become an Assisted Living Administrator?

There are several different pathways to becoming a qualified assisted living administrator in Washington state.  The regulations, though offered in a step-wise fashion based on the individual’s specific education, training, and experience, can be confusing.  This article aims to clarify the various ways one qualifies to be an administrator.

GRANDFATHERING.  An individual who was employed as an administrator of a boarding home (now called assisted living) prior to September 1, 2004 is considered qualified.

LICENSED NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR.  An individual who is currently licensed in Washington state as a nursing home administrator, and whose credential is in good standing with the Department of Health, is qualified to be an assisted living administrator in Washington.

CERTIFICATION OF TRAINING AND THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE. An individual qualifies as an administrator who has successfully completed a recognized training program, such as WHCA’s LEAD training and has at least three years’ paid experience either providing care to vulnerable adults in a licensed care setting or managing persons who provide direct care in a licensed care setting.  This training and experience must be accomplished before the individual assumes the role of administrator.

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE, CERTIFICATION OF TRAINING, AND TWO YEARS’ EXPERIENCE. An individual qualifies as an administrator with an associate’s degree in a field of study such as health-related major, social work, or business administration, and meets either 1, 2, or 3 of the following additional requirements:

1. Holds a certification of completion of a recognized administrator training course, such as WHCA’s LEAD training, within six months of assuming the role of administrator; or
2. Has at least two years’ paid experience either providing care to vulnerable adults in a licensed care setting or managing persons who provide direct care in a licensed care setting, or
3. Has completed a qualified administrator training program (AIT) by a qualified administrator as outlined in WAC 388-78A-2530.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE. An individual qualifies as an administrator with a bachelor’s degree in a field of study such as health-related major, social work, or business administration, and meets either 1, 2, or 3 of the following additional requirements:

1. Holds a certification of completion of a recognized administrator training course, such as WHCA’s LEAD training, within six months of assuming the role of administrator; or
2. Has at least one year of paid experience either providing care to vulnerable adults in a licensed care setting or managing persons who provide direct care in a licensed care setting, or
3. Has completed a qualified administrator training program (AIT) by a qualified administrator as outlined in WAC 388-78A-2530.

FIVE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE.  Before assuming duties as an administrator, the individual has at least five years’ paid experience either providing care to vulnerable adults in a licensed care setting or managing persons who provide direct care in a licensed care setting.

Please note that an individual may meet the requirements in more than one area. For example, someone may have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and completed the LEAD training, and also has five years’ paid experience providing care to vulnerable adults in licensed care settings.  Likewise, some individuals might hold a college degree in a major area not included in this WAC; these individuals can become qualified in other ways, such as taking the LEAD course and gaining three years’ experience providing care to vulnerable adults in a licensed care setting or managing staff who provide that type of care.

Residential Care Services licensing staff will review an administrator’s employee file during routine inspections.  It is imperative that documentation in the file supports the administrator’s qualifications.  This might mean ensuring the individual’s resume reflects specific educational degrees and/or experience.  Proof of certification of completing a recognized administrator training course with a minimum of 24-hours of instruction will also be reviewed if the course was necessary for the individual administrator.  For individuals who took an administrator in training program, licensing staff will review that documentation as well.  Finally, all new assisted living administrators must complete the Residential Care Services online administrator’s training within 30 days of assuming the role of administrator; print the certificate and keep it on the assisted living premises.

For questions about assisted living regulations please email Vicki McNealley or call 360-352-3304 extension 107.