AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
August 27, 2001
AASA: BH #2001-014
SUBJECT: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT CONSULTATION PROGRAM
Dear Boarding Home Provider:
In April 2001, the legislature approved House Bill 1426, which amended RCW 18.20 (Boarding Homes) by incorporating the Quality Improvement Consultation (QIC) Program into this statute.? Basic principles upon which the program was developed remain unchanged.?
Program highlights include:
- Quality Improvement Consultants will conduct onsite facility visits and provide telephone consultation at the request of the provider and based upon available funding.
- Provider participation in the program will remain voluntary.
- The QIC program will be a part of the state?s quality assurance program but will be separate from routine enforcement activities in their region.? In emergency situations, QI Consultants may be required to investigate a high risk complaint.
- QI consultants may not disclose information obtained during onsite facility visits either verbally or in writing to non-managerial Residential Care Services staff. In addition, they may not be included in enforcement decision discussions related to facilities in which they are working. However, QI Consultants will continue to report findings as required mandatory reporters when warranted.
The permanent establishment of this program is a testament to the many providers, consumers, and advocates that developed the program model.? Congratulations to all who have contributed.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact the RCS Regional Administrator in your area.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
cc:? RCS Regional Administrators
RCS Field Managers
RCS Quality Improvement Consultants
