Washington

Residential assisted living licensing rules and official state resources

Licensure term: Adult Family Home
Resident capacity: 6 max but can get special license for more. (NOTE: to open more than one facility, the first must be open 24 months, then the first 2 must be open another 12 months before the third can be applied for.)
Staff ratios: Staffing must be sufficient to meet needs of residents
Cost of licensing: 2750.0
Bedroom square footage: • Bedroom requirements:
Memory care: Specialty care—Designations.

Full requirements

Regulatory Agency: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services - Aging and Long Term Support
Contact Phone Number: 360-725-2400
Licensure Term(s): Adult Family Home
Census Requirements: 6 max but can get special license for more. (NOTE: to open more than one facility, the first must be open 24 months, then the first 2 must be open another 12 months before the third can be applied for.)
Qualifications for Managers: The provider must: • Have the character, competence and suitability to operate an AFH; • Have the ability to read, understand and meet all laws and rules related to AFHs; • Protect resident rights first over the needs of yourself and your family; and • Be able to communicate in the English language and ensure that there is staff on-site at all times who are capable of understanding and speaking English well enough to be able to respond appropriately in case of an emergency and implement resident care plans.
Qualifications for Caregivers: Do my caregivers need Home Care Aide certification? Yes, they will have to be Home Care Aide certified unless they meet one of the following exemptions: RNs, LPNs, and certified nursing assistants (NA- C/CNA) or persons in an approved CNA training program; Medicare certified home health aides; Person with special education training and an endorsement granted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction; or Employed as a LTC worker sometime between 1/1/2011 and 1/6/2012 AND who completed the training requirements in effect at the time. Must have proof of that employment meeting the requirements of DOH WAC 246-980-070. Long-Term Care Employment Verification form (DOH 675-006)
Staff Ratios: Staffing must be sufficient to meet needs of residents
Cost of Licensing: 2750.0
Square Footage Requirements: • Bedroom requirements: o There must be no more than two residents per room; o A single room must have a minimum of 80 square feet of usable floor space, not including closet space and door swings; o A double room must have a minimum of 120 square feet of usable floor space, not including closet space and door swings; o Doors, including in the bedroom closet, must be openable from the inside and outside; o There must be enough lighting in the room for residents to do what they want and for staff to do what they need; and o There must be enough storage space in each bedroom to meet the needs of the residents.
Bathrooms Required: • Bathroom requirements: o Residents must be able to get to toilets and bath/shower facilities easily; o There must be one toilet for every five people in the house; o The tub and shower must have grab bars and non-skid surfaces; o The hot water temperature at fixtures accessible to residents must not exceed 120 degrees F.