AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2006 AFH "Dear Provider" Letters
March 1, 2006
ADSA: AFH #2006-006
Changes to training requirements – food handler permits
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
In a recent provider letter, we informed you that the 2005 legislature had amended chapter 70.128 RCW – Adult Family Homes and chapter 69.06 RCW – Food and Beverage Establishment Workers’ Permits, changing the requirements for AFH providers and employees to have and maintain food handler permits. Refer to ADSA: AFH #2005-017, accessible online at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/letters/AFH/2005/.
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the Department has adopted new food handler requirements in Chapter 388-112 WAC, Section IV – Modified Basic Training and Section VII – Continuing Education for adult family homes to implement these statutory changes.
Effective January 15, 2006:
- Individual food handler permits are not required for individuals who begin working in an adult family home after June 30, 2005 if they have successfully completed the department’s basic or modified-basic caregiver training, and pass the food safety test.
- Licensed adult family home providers and employees who hold individual food handler permits prior to June 30, 2005 must obtain 0.5 hours of continuing education in food handling and safety each year, or must follow all requirements necessary to maintain and renew the existing food handler permit.
- A provider must have verification that each employee received information on safe food handling practices, and complies with food safety testing and training rules required under the amended statutes.
No change to the inspection process will occur.
If you have any questions regarding the changes in the regulations, please contact your RCS Field Manager.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
