Adult Family Home Inspections. Adult family homes are regulated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and must be inspected by DSHS at least every 18 months.  When an inspection is conducted, DSHS must prepare a written report that summarizes the inspection, and all inspection reports must be available to the public at DSHS during business hours.  Adult family homes must have a copy of each inspection report for the past three years readily available for review by DSHS, residents, and the public.

Adult Family Homes Website. DSHS is required to work with consumers, advocates, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive, user-friendly website for family members, residents, and prospective residents of adult family homes.  The website includes links to information including, but not limited to:

• explanations of the types of licensed long-term care facilities, levels of care, and specialty designations;
• lists of suggested questions when looking for a care facility;
• warning signs of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation; and
• contact information for DSHS and the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds. 

The website should include a searchable list of all adult family homes in Washington, with links to inspection and investigation reports, and any enforcement actions by DSHS for the previous three years.  If a violation or enforcement remedy is deleted, rescinded, or modified, DSHS must make the appropriate changes to the information on the website as soon as reasonably feasible, but not later than 30 days after the violation or enforcement remedy has been deleted, rescinded, or modified.

The DSHS website regarding adult family homes is not required to include links to all inspection and investigation reports.  The website must include the following documents and information for the previous three years:

• deficiency-free inspection letters;
• statements of deficiency related to inspection visits;
• statements of deficiency related to complaint investigations requiring an attestation of correction;
• notices of return to compliance related to statements of deficiency; and
• enforcement action notices issued by DSHS.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: Adult family home providers are having difficulties accessing and maintaining affordable property and liability coverage. It is threatening the development and operation of adult family homes.  Currently, DSHS is required to post all information related to complaint allegations inspection and investigations which includes documentation related to allegations that are not substantiated. Limiting the information posted will make it easier for consumers to access the most relevant information for decision-making and reduce the possibility of the information being misinterpreted. This bill helps underwriters better identify homes that should be considered at a lower risk and that may allow more adult family home providers access to affordable insurance. Consumers will continue to be provided with findings from annual inspections with any enforcement actions taken by the department. There are concerns that the bill may overly limit the level of information posted on the website and work is being done to be responsive to that concern.
 
CON: There are remaining concerns as this bill reduces the information available to online consumers about deficiencies found at adult family homes. There is vital information that should be accessible to the public. There is a request for an amendment.

PRO: David Forte, Office of the Insurance Commissioner; John Ficker, Adult Family Home Council; Bea Rector, Dept. of Social and Health Services; Ezibon Njuguna; Tienyong Hua; Amina Abdalla, Adult Family Home Council.