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HCLA: AFH #2026-033
Emergency Recovery, Reoccupancy, and Resources
Dear Provider:
Residential Care Services reminded providers in Dear Provider Letter HCLA AFH #2026-030 about reporting requirements in an emergency through Residential Care Services Online Incident Reporting Portal (OIR) or call 1-800-562- 6078. This letter is to remind providers if you recently evacuated your adult family home and did not make a report, please make a report.
Our highest priority remains the health and safety of you, your staff and the long-term care residents you serve. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to be safe if you are still under an evacuation order. Do not return to your home until you receive an official safe return notice.
On Aug. 10, 2026, evacuations decreased significantly for the Eastern Washington wildfires, with all evacuations lifted for the Fairview Fire. Many of you are transitioning from evacuation status to recovery. This letter also provides useful resources to assist you, your staff and residents in transitioning.
Notice to RCS
Provide RCS with an update of your home status in OIR or call 1-800-562-6078. If you have returned home, inform the hotline of your return timeline and resident status, needs, and safety. RCS can provide technical assistance on licensure requirements. If residents are not returning, inform them where relocated. Report any property damage.
Notice to Case Managers
If you have a state contract, also inform your case manager of you and your residents’ status.
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Home and Community Living Administration office contacts by county are available online at HCLA Resources.
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Developmental Disability Administration contacts are available online at DDA Resources.
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Room & Care is an online directory listing real-time vacancies, private pay options and Medicaid availability for licensed residential care settings.
Please let HCLA and DDA know if you have available beds for alternative placements for residents. Case managers can help residents find other homes if they cannot return to their former AFH. Direct all calls to case managers for questions about payment, resident authorizations and ProviderOne inquiries.
Expedited Relocations.
If you have questions regarding expedited relocations or are requesting an expedited relocation because of the statewide state of emergency, contact the RCS Business Analysis and Applications Unit at BAAU@dshs.wa.gov.
Provide the following information:
- Name of your AFH,
- License number,
- The nature of your request,
- The current circumstances of your home,
- The name and contact information for the primary point of contact for your AFH.
Applications
To expedite new home applications or change of ownerships because of the statewide state of emergency to relieve adult family homes under evacuation, contact RCS Business Analysis and Applications Unit at BAAU@dshs.wa.gov.
Provide the following information:
- Name of your AFH,
- License number,
- The nature of your request,
- The current circumstances of your home,
- The name and contact information for the primary point of contact for your AFH.
Capacity Increases
If you have questions regarding capacity increases related to impacts from the wildfires, contact RCS Business Operations and Analysis Unit at RCSBOA@dshs.wa.gov.
Provide the following information:
- Name of your AFH,
- License number,
- The nature of your request,
- The current circumstances of your home,
- The name and contact information for the primary point of contact for your AFH.
Community Resources
RCS is sharing resources that provide information about a variety of community services and resources available to help you, your staff, residents/families and our Spokane community through recovery.
Governor Proclamations Issued
On Aug. 1, 2026, Governor Ferguson issued Emergency Proclamation 26-03: Wildfires – Burn Ban. Please note the Governor has amended the proclamation with many new resourceful declarations.
On Aug. 10, 2026, Governor Ferguson issued Emergency Proclamation 26-03.1 Wildfires- Immediate Relief And Response. This proclamation is applicable to the AFH program: “DSHS requires temporary regulatory flexibility to address assessments, service plan updates, emergency admissions and placements, licensing and capacity requirements, and other statutory or regulatory timelines affected by evacuations and disaster response for individuals receiving long-term services and supports and developmental disability services in adult family homes and assisted living facilities.” Please read the other proclamations within this official document to learn areas helpful to you, your staff and residents.
Returning Home
Please ensure your safety, residents’ safety and staff safety before reentering your home during recovery. Verify structural and utility safety of your home before readmitting residents. Ensure staffing matches residents’ needs. Do a careful and safe home inspection. Wear protective gear as necessary. Clear the refrigerator of spoiled food.
If you have questions about this letter, please contact your local Field Manager for assistance. Links: Region 1 Offices, Region 2 Offices, and Region 3 Offices.
Many people we serve have been impacted by wildfires. We are grateful for the numerous services the community and agency have to offer people as they recover.
Miriam Mina, Interim Director
Residential Care Services
DSHS: “Partnering with People
Download Dear Provider Letter
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