AFH Club · Training & Education

AFH Training & Education Requirements

For AFH providers, training is not a one-time event — it is an ongoing professional responsibility. This page outlines every required training, who must complete it, and where to find approved programs.

Pre-Licensure

Core Training Requirements

All of the following must be completed before an AFH license is issued. Training takes time — build this into your planning timeline.

Featured Requirement

AFH Administrator Training — In Detail

The AFH Administrator Training is available only through community colleges contracted with DSHS. It is required for new applicants and entity representatives. DSHS must deny a license to an applicant who has not completed it (WAC 388-76-10120).

The rules set a minimum of 48 hours of instruction (WAC 388-112A-0800); DSHS and North Seattle College currently describe the course as 54 hours. Required subjects include business planning and marketing, fiscal management, human resources, identifying resident health issues, person-centered and negotiated care planning, emergency and disaster planning, nutrition and food service, resident rights, the licensing process, legal issues, and physical maintenance and fire safety (WAC 388-112A-0820). Upon completion, participants receive a certificate that can be used for 12 hours of long-term care worker continuing education in the year the course was taken.

To find a participating college, use the DSHS training finder and choose "AFH Administrator Training" under Other Training. North Seattle College is one of them; call 206-934-3705 or email afh.north@seattlecolleges.edu for its current schedule.

Additional Training

Specialty Trainings

These trainings are required only if your home admits residents with specific diagnoses or assessed needs. The provider, entity representative and resident manager must complete specialty training and pass the DSHS competency test before admitting or serving those residents. If a current resident develops one of these needs in a home without that specialty designation, they have 120 days to complete it (WAC 388-112A-0490). Caregivers serving those residents need the matching specialty training too (WAC 388-112A-0400). Nurse delegation training is required before a caregiver performs delegated nursing tasks (WAC 388-112A-0550).

Ongoing Requirement

Continuing Education & Optional Certifications

Providers, entity representatives, resident managers, certified Home Care Aides, and nursing assistants certified must complete 12 hours of DSHS-approved continuing education by their birthday each year. RNs, LPNs and ARNPs are not covered by this requirement. A caregiver who falls behind may not provide care until the hours are done (WAC 388-112A-0610). The AFH Administrator Training certificate counts for 12 CE hours in the year it is completed.

State law also directs DSHS to establish a specialty license with a geriatric specialty certification for providers who complete the University of Washington School of Nursing certified geriatric certification program and testing (RCW 70.128.040). It is voluntary. Check with the University of Washington for whether the program is currently offered.

The Long-Term Care Foundation of Washington (LTCF) operates an AFH Training Network. For Medicaid-contracted AFHs with at least one Medicaid resident, it describes paying tuition, testing and application fees for HCA or CNA certification and some specialty courses, plus a training participation allowance paid after the employee completes training. Confirm current terms with LTCF.