June 17, 2014
ALTSA: AFH #2014-004
RESIDENT/CLIENT PROTECTION PROGRAM AND PROVIDER PRACTICE COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION OPP
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
This is to inform you of changes to Residential Care Services (RCS) operational principles and procedures (OPP) for coordination and communication between the Resident and Client Protection Program (RCPP) and staff who conduct provider practice (PP) complaint investigations.
The amended OPP is only related to RCS procedures and does not include any revisions to expectations of providers during complaint investigations.
A single allegation can result in two separate investigations by RCS staff. Clear guidelines about coordination and communication during investigations are required in order to effectively share information, reduce impact on residents and facility staff, and work collaboratively towards investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation.
The goal of amending this OPP is to simplify and streamline the coordination and communication process between RCPP investigators and provider practice investigators. The revised procedures should also lessen the impact to clients and agency staff during an investigation.
This OPP is available on the ALTSA website at http://www.altsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/afh.htm
If you have any questions, please contact Christi Pederson, LTC Policy Program Manager at (360) 725-3204 or by email Christi.pederson@dshs.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Carl I. Walters II, Director
Residential Care Services