WAC 388-107-0081. Ongoing comprehensive assessments — Requirements in effect from January 18, 2022, through June 8, 2023, in response to the state of emergency related to COVID-19

(1) In response to the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department adopted emergency rules under RCW 34.05.320 on January 18, 2022, to amend a portion of WAC 388-107-0080 . The emergency rules remained in effect until June 8, 2023. The amended rules in place at that time were:

(2) The enhanced services facility must:

(a) Complete a comprehensive assessment, addressing the elements set forth in WAC 388-107-0070 on the following timelines:

(i) Upon a significant change in the resident's condition; or

(ii) At least every 180 days if there is no significant change in condition, except beginning January 18, 2022, assessments for residents whose care is state funded may be extended an additional 12 months during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

(b) Complete an assessment specifically focused on a resident's identified strengths, preferences, limitations, and related issues:

(i) Consistent with the resident's change of condition as specified in WAC 388-107-0060 ;

(ii) When the resident's person-centered service plan no longer addresses the resident's current needs and preferences; and

(iii) When the resident has an injury requiring the intervention of a practitioner;

(c) Review each resident's needs to evaluate discharge or transfer options when the resident:

(i) No longer needs the level of behavioral support provided by the facility; or

(ii) Expresses the desire to move to a different type of community based setting;

(d) Ensure that the person-centered service planning team discusses all available placement options; and

(e) Ensure the staff person performing the ongoing assessments is a qualified assessor.