In a Dear Administrator letter dated June 17, 2021, all providers are informed that on June 30, 2021, both the federal and state eviction moratoriums are set to expire. At that time, long term care providers will be able to resume issuing a notice of discharge if a resident has not paid fees. Providers will also be able to resume any standard activities related to fee increases.

If a resident or client has not been able to pay their fees during the COVID-19 pandemic, providers are encouraged to assist them with accessing available resources for possible assistance. It is not guaranteed that a resident will qualify for available programs, but providers can assist a resident in reviewing eligibility criteria. Federal and state programs can be found at the following links:

Providers are also encouraged to help residents/clients contact the LTC Ombuds or the Developmental Disability (DD) Ombuds (for individuals with intellectual disabilities) if they have been unable to pay fees during the pandemic. The Ombuds may be able to help the resident/client advocate for available resources.

Please keep in mind that once the moratorium is lifted, providers will still need to follow all applicable rules and laws related to notification of discharge or termination of services, as well as notification for changes in fees or charges. If you have questions, you may email the RCS Policy Unit.

In a Dear Administrator letter dated June 16, 2021, all providers are notified that due to lack of new funding sources available after June 30, 2021, the use of the Rapid Response teams through the DSHS contract will not be available after June 2021. The last day a provider will be able to request use of a team through DSHS is June 26, 2021. DSHS continues to pursue avenues for funding of this program. If new funding is made available, DSHS will work to access the available monies to maintain this program for providers at no charge and this will be communicated to providers as soon as possible.

Providers may still work directly with the staffing agency that has been providing the Rapid Response teams. If you are in need of services, the letter explains how long services can be provided and shares a list of agencies to contact.

Read about two Washington workers overexposed to hazardous amounts of isopropyl alcohol and how you can prevent it from happening in your workplace. If you would like assistance with your Hazard Communication Plan or help measuring workers’ personal exposures to chemicals, please contact your local L&I safety & health consultant.

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) will hold a virtual town hall event for long term care staff to get more information about the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM PST as part of its nationwide #GetVaccinated campaign.  The event is open to all staff and is free to attend. Click here to register. It will also be livestreamed on AHCA/NCAL’s Facebook page.  Read more about this virtual event.

WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.