​On November 12, President Trump signed legislation to reopen the federal government after a record 41-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The law provides full-year funding for three appropriations bills through September 30, 2026: Agriculture and FDA, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. The remainder of the government is funded through January 30, 2026. The law also extended several health provisions through January 30, including Medicare telehealth flexibilities and funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program. It recalls agency employees who were terminated during the shutdown, but does not extend the enhanced premium health care tax credits that were central to Democrats’ demands. Eight Senate and six House Democrats joined the vast majority of Republicans in supporting the legislation. 

As you know, the federal government shut down recently because Congress did not approve a funding plan by October 1. As a result, about 750,000 federal employees classified as “non-essential” are now furloughed (i.e. put on temporary unpaid leave).
 
Republicans and Democrats still cannot reach agreement on what to do next. Meanwhile, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought has started dismissing thousands of federal employees. These layoffs have significantly affected the Department of Health and Human Services, particularly the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) However, some dismissals are being reversed because of “coding errors.” These additional firings are not required under law when a shutdown occurs.

​Starting in October 2025, in-home care providers can become enrolled as providers under DSHS for the WA Cares Program. Here are some resources to get ready, provided by Loegan Sargent, Outreach Specialist for, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington at last week’s webinar. 

All members in Washington are invited to participate in a unique HCAOA Washington Chapter Virtual Meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Agencies across the state will have TWO OPTIONS to tune in for up-to-the-minute news and information about state and federal legislative and regulatory issues that are impacting home care right now in Washington State, including the Companionship Exemption, the WA Cares Act, licensing at DOH, and much more:

• VIRTUAL OPTION: Tune in from your phone or laptop on the go to stay informed
• LIVE WATCH PARTY: Live watch parties will be held in three locations throughout Washington state for members who are able and would prefer to gather and network with other providers can do so to watch the virtual meeting while connecting over coffee. 

Calling all home care members across Washington! Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. PT and plan to join us for an energizing HCAOA Washington Chapter Virtual Meeting.
 
This free, members-only event is your opportunity to stay informed, connect with peers, and be part of the conversations shaping home care across the state. Whether you're a provider, manager, or team leader, this meeting will offer insights and updates that matter to you.
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​The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) invites In-Home Care Service Providers to take part in a brief, anonymous survey to better understand the infection prevention and control (IPC) needs in this setting. 

Washington State enacted significant amendments to the WA Cares Fund (“WA Cares”), the nation’s first mandatory, publicly funded long-term care insurance program for workers. WA Cares was established under the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act, signed into law in April 2021. 

Washington employers take note: Significant changes to the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) law are on the horizon that will impact every employer in the Evergreen State. The bill amending the law, HB 1213, is complex with several components that are a mixed bag for employers.

Before benefits begin in July 2026, the WA Cares Fund will work to register a diverse range of qualified providers for each covered service, including home care. This is a great opportunity for home care providers to reach new potential markets. Learn how to get involved as a provider in the program in the WA Care Basics webinar on August 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

​The Washington State Department of Health Home Care Aide program has extended the emergency rules regarding alternative certification timelines for individuals pursuing certification as home care aides, in response to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department acknowledges that many long-term care workers continue to face challenges in obtaining certification, and this extension is essential to protect public health and safety, as well as to support the long-term care workforce and help prevent staffing shortages.

​The Washington State Department of Health is launching a new licensing system for all health professionals, the Health Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS), effective April 29, 2025. HELMS is designed to create efficiencies, improve user experience, streamline processing, strengthen data access, and reduce paper-based activities.

Thank You for Showing Up on Capitol Hill!

​A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us for a record-breaking Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Your time, energy, and voices made a powerful impact, and we’re so grateful for your commitment to championing the issues that matter most to our community.

Prometric now offers an online option to take the Home Care Aide knowledge exams through Proproctor.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is launching a new licensing system for all health professionals and facilities in Washington on February 19. The WADOH is hosting three information sessions before the launch to share more information and preview what the system will look like for health professionals and facilities. Each session will have the same agenda, and attendees are invited to ask questions.