Become a Provider
Becoming an Adult Family Home Owner comes with many responsibilities and at many times, AFH owners feel the immense pressure of wearing many hats while running their business. Being stretched thin makes it difficult to excel in any one area and will ultimately lead to burn out. Happy providers will produce happy residents and our mission is to provide the necessary tools Adult Family Home Owners need in order to more easily manage their business.
What are the licensing requirements for AFHs?
Washington state has one of the strictest licensing requirements in the nation for an adult family home. This ensures that the seniors served receive excellent care. All adult family home owners must be licensed by the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) and carry out the rules and regulations as described in WAC 388-76-xxxx. DSHS only issues one license per provider and per home. Licensed homes/providers are examined by DSHS licensors every 10 to 18 months on an average. Inspections occur without notice, so providers must be in compliance at all times.
- DSHS approved safety and AFH orientation course
- 1000 hours of supervised and documented care of seniors
- A high-school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Home Care Aid Certification (previously fundamentals of care)
- Nurse delegation course
- First-aid certified
- CPR certified
- AFH administrator certification
- 12 hours of continuing education yearly
- Criminal background check with FBI fingerprint (every 2 years)
- Specialty training in dementia care, mental health, and/or developmental disability
- A $2750 (and rising) license application fee (non-refundable)