AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

AASA BH No. 98-001
RE: Program Transfer

March 20, 1998

Dear Boarding Home Provider:

The legislature has passed a law transferring the licensure and quality assurance activities from the Department of Health to the Department of Social and Health Services.

Effective April 2, 1998, Aging and Disability Services Administration will assume responsibility for all quality assurance activities, including licensing, technical assistance, and complaint investigation/resolution.

We are committed to a smooth transition and have taken a number of steps to assure this. There will continue to be delays in routine business such as initial inspections and relicensing inspections until new staff are trained. We ask for your patience in these matters.

The licensing activity as well as technical assistance and complaint investigations will be integrated with other licensing activities in DSHS community quality assurance offices throughout the state. You will be notified of the location of these offices and pertinent staff telephone numbers.

Patricia Lashway is the Director of Residential Services, the division responsible for quality assurance activities in Aging and Disability Services Administration. She will be giving you more detailed information very soon. If you have any questions about this transfer you may contact Ms. Lashway at (360) 493-2560 or her staff at (360) 493-
2970.

Sincerely,

Ralph W. Smith, Assistant Secretary
Aging and Disability Services Administration
Department of Social and Health Services

Ron Weaver, Acting Assistant Secretary
Health Systems Quality Assurance
Department of Health