ALTSA update
ALTSA update
AGING AND LONG-TERM SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION
AGING AND LONG-TERM SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION
FEBRUARY 2025
Alex is signing “NOW” in American Sign Language, capturing a moment of expression and impact.
Embracing Change with Confidence and Hope
Bea Rector Assistant Secretary
ALTSA Teammates-
We are all experiencing many transitions at both the state and federal level. I know transitions can feel uncomfortable because of all the uncertainty that comes with them.
Something I’ve been thinking about recently is the importance of owning our own mindset every day, and especially during times of transition. As humans, we are hard-wired to seek certainty, so I know this is especially challenging in times of uncertainty. It’s hard for me too. You are not alone.
Choosing how we will respond to our fear of the unknown helps us manage our fight or flight response and general feelings of anxiety, which in turn, helps us stay in our rational, thinking brain so we can focus on the important work before us. The people we are here to serve are counting on us to do so. I also know that how we react to our fears has an impact on those around us. As leaders and teammates, I call upon each of us to be aware of our mindsets and remember that both fear and faith demand we believe in something we cannot see. Faith means different things to different people.
One of the definitions is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” I encourage us to choose faith over fear and believe in ourselves, each other, the mission and values of DSHS.
It is helpful to remember government is actually designed to go through transition. Our institutions, laws and policies are in place to make sure that services continue for the people who rely on them.
In DSHS and ALTSA, we are going to continue to focus on our singular purpose to serve the people who depend on our service delivery system.
I call upon each of us to be aware of our mindsets and remember that both fear and faith demand we believe in something we cannot see.
While I can’t see the future entirely, I can and do choose not to focus on fear, but rather lean into faith and hope. I have hope in our future and I know that future is bright because I have incredible confidence in our leadership and all of you to get us through to the other side, as we always do, better and stronger, together, in service to others.
Thank you for all you do and for joining me in choosing hope.
ALTSA’S STRATEGIC GOALS
Empowering Change: A Year of Growth and Progress
Kathy Morgan Director
Reflecting on 2024, I am proud to share the remarkable achievements and outline our goals for the future here at Adult Protective Services.
LAST YEAR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
This past year has been transformative for our team, marked by significant milestones. Our training programs have seen a notable enhancement, incorporating an updated partner field guide and an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion perspective. These improvements have equipped our investigators with essential tools for their crucial work. We have also made great strides in stabilizing our workforce. Through focused recruitment and retention efforts, we successfully reduced our vacancy rates from over 36% to under 14%. This achievement has bolstered our frontline investigator team, enabling more efficient and effective service delivery.
APS. Furthermore, we have implemented new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for our records, legal, and due process teams. These SOPs ensure consistency and clarity in our operations, defining expectations and guidelines for all team members.
OUR GOALS FOR 2025
Together, we will build on our successes and work towards our goals to provide the best possible support for our community.
In addition, the launch of the first level of our APS Supervisor Academy has set a new standard for leadership training within our organization. This pilot program provides our supervisors with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead with confidence and expertise. To further support our division, we established the Program Integrity, Performance, and Advancement (PIPA) Unit. This new unit plays a pivotal role in driving quality improvement, workforce development, and maintaining program integrity across
Looking ahead to 2025, our goals are both ambitious and necessary. We are committed to reducing the number of open investigations to enhance the safety and health of vulnerable adults. Compliance with the new APS federal regulations by June 2028 is a priority, and we are actively working towards this goal. Standardizing staff practices to align with policies across the division will be a key focus, ensuring consistency and excellence in our service delivery. Additionally, we will officially launch our enhanced training guide for supervisors and managers, providing comprehensive support and development for our leaders. The PIPA Unit will continue to drive program efficiency, project management, recruitment, retention, and workforce development activities. Together, we will build on our successes and work towards our goals to provide the best possible support for our community. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission.
Advancing Health Equity and Addressing Disparities
Cathy Kinnaman Director
As I reflect on Black History Month, I would like to call attention to the ongoing health disparities faced by minority groups and remind us of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s words: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” These words resonate with our mission at HCS, ALTSA, and DSHS, where we strive to serve all Washingtonians equitably.
Health disparities among African Americans reveal persistent and alarming inequities in health outcomes, access to care, and social determinants of health. Addressing healthcare disparities is not an easy or simple task, and progress is slow, but the mission is not impossible. In addition to being constantly mindful of these disparities and the determinants that contribute to the situation, we must be proactive in confronting them. We can prioritize culturally competent care, expand diversity in the healthcare workforce, and ensure our programs consider the social determinants of health. Training in cultural sensitivity and antiracism for healthcare providers further empowers people to address the unique needs of diverse populations.
Our division plays a critical role in this work. Whether through programs supporting older adults, long-term care services, or community health initiatives, we can make meaningful strides toward equity. Let us recommit ourselves to creating systems where every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, can access the care and support they need to thrive.
In addition to being constantly mindful of these disparities and the determinants that contribute to the situation, we must be proactive in confronting them.
Thank you for your dedication to this vital mission. Together, we can continue to advance equity in health and social services.
MSD Achieves 10th Consecutive Clean Audit, Reflecting Outstanding Fiscal Management
Eric Mandt Director
The budget and the deficit have been hot topics of conversation lately, and I’m sure many both within state government and without have thought of state funds more recently than usual. I’d like to share some excellent news on that front that reflects how outstanding our fiscal staff is here at MSD. The State Auditor’s Office has completed their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This year’s report looked at Federal Grants in Aid and Human Services Expenditures. The auditors found no issues and they have no recommendations for us.
MSD works with ALTSA and DDA funds [which] covers ~ 75% of the DSHS budget.
This marks the 10th straight year we have been given a clean audit in the Annual Financial Report, meaning we have not had a finding during this annual audit process since FY15! Our hardworking staff in MSD work with both ALTSA and DDA funds, meaning their work covers approximately 75% of the DSHS budget. That means a huge part of this clean audit was due to the efforts and tireless dedication of our staff. A heartfelt bravo to the MSD fiscal staff for truly exemplifying excellence in state government.
Updated Emergency Quick Reference Guide Now Available
ALTSA Blake East Office now has an Emergency Quick Reference Guide. It is posted in all conference rooms, lunchrooms, and bulletin boards. The Blake East emergency quick reference pdf is posted on the MSD SharePoint site. The Blake East Emergency Quick Reference Guide has helpful information for when there is an onsite emergency.
The information on the guide includes:
• Building address
• Phone number for the front desk
• Phone number for the security officer
• Defibrillator information
• Narcan information
• Evacuation Chair information
• Building evacuation locations
There are QR codes for how to use the defibrillators, Narcan, and evacuation chair.
The ALTSA Blake East Emergency Quick Reference was developed by Autumn Ekstrom. Please contact Autumn if you would like to use this as a template for your office.
Community Roundtable and Legislative Efforts Highlight Key Issues and Strengthen Partnerships
Earnest Covington, III Director
Community Roundtable: On January 16th, we had the opportunity to host a community roundtable with our community partners. This event allowed us to catch up on current topics and share updates on our ongoing projects. The community session provided valuable insights into the needs and concerns of our clients and community partners. We are committed to continuing to innovate for accessible communication and fostering strong relationships with our partners.
HB2221 Workgroup: The HB2221 (Interpreter Shortage) workgroup has been meeting weekly to address the interpreter shortage in specialized areas. In addition to these weekly meetings, the main workgroup convenes twice a month. The data we collected informed our discussions at the in-person summit held on February 1 - 2, 2025. This provided opportunity to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing Washington state.
FEMA Presentation: We hosted a guest representative from FEMA who delivered an informative presentation about FEMA’s efforts and resources for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing population statewide. The presentation provided valuable information and highlighted the importance of ensuring that our community is wellprepared for emergencies.
Legislative Analyses: ODHH has been analyzing HB 1174, which pertains to arranging reasonable accommodations for incarcerated individuals to participate in legal proceedings. Our team has also been reviewing SB 5025, which addresses the qualifications and examinations for educational interpreters. These legislative efforts are crucial to ensuring that Washingtonians receive the support and accommodations they need.
We look forward to continuing our work and appreciate the ongoing support of our community and partners.
We are pleased to announce Bernita Bontrager as our new Access Manager/Staff Interpreter.
My name is Bernita Bontrager. I am a certified ASL interpreter with 15+ years of experience. I’m a heritage signer, as my parents are deaf, and I am also a Washington native. I hold an MTS in Theology and a BA in Psychology, both with a focus on social justice. I am passionate about equal access, advocacy, and fostering community partnerships. I look forward to supporting this team in promoting inclusive communication.
Senior Independence Month: Recognizing and Supporting Independence
Amy Abbott Director
February marks an important month as it is National Senior Independence Month. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Lauren Bowers, “Increased longevity and the large baby boomer generation born from 1946 to 1964 are contributing to the growth in the older adult population. As that generation continues to age, growth in the older adult population is expected to continue across the nation’s metro areas.”
it is important that we, as a society, recognize ways in which we can support independence.
easily accessible. In addition, adaptive devices that meets the needs of our seniors such as lightweight tablets, technology to block phone scammers, and devices that aid vision and sound capability are just a few of the helpful ways to help seniors interact and stay socially connected.
As the aging population grows it is important that we, as a society, recognize ways in which we can support the independence of our seniors. There are several ways that we can help our seniors maintain a lifestyle that promotes selfsufficiency. Providing public safe spaces, such as wheelchair friendly access in buildings as well as looking at how we can expand Information Technology (IT) to further encourage our seniors to have resources more
Preventative care is another key focus that seniors themselves can take to help maintain an independent lifestyle. The National Institute of Health outlines some tips in their article What Do We Know About Healthy Aging? | National Institute on Aging. The article offers key physical and mental health tips:
Take care of physical health
• Exercise and physical activity
• Healthy eating and making smart food choices
• Getting enough sleep
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol use
Take care of Mental health
• Socializing and staying in contact with friends and family
• Manage stress
• Leisure activities and hobbies
Other areas to consider include community volunteering, spending time with seniors as well as some proactive efforts such as continued cognitive health research such as Alzheimer’s research.
As we reflect on the significance of Senior Independence Month, we should all pause and recognize that we will all get older, and our health will not be as it once was. Whether supporting our aging loved ones, or helping our seniors through volunteering we can all be active participants supporting our aging population.
Prepare in a Year: Identifying Hazards in Washington State
Serena Segura Emergency Manager and Risk Officer
Do You Remember:
When Mount Saint Helens erupted on May 18, 1980?
The 6.8 magnitude Nisqually Earthquake on February 28, 2001?
The COVID-19 pandemic from Jan 20, 2020, to May 11, 2023?
We have natural hazards and human caused hazards. Some hazards can affect everyone in the state, and some are geographically or regionally-based hazards.
What hazards are most likely to occur where you live and work?
Knowing and identifying our hazards and their impacts can help us plan and prepare for the things we care about most: people, property and infrastructure. What hazards are most likely to occur where you live and work?
Resources:
The Pacific Northwest Heat Dome June 18 to July 14, 2021?
The Gray Fire from August 18 to September 1, 2023?
Human Caused - Technological Hazards
• Cyberattacks
• Dam Failures
• Disease Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics
Natural Hazards
• Avalanches
• Drought
• Earthquakes
• Extreme weather
• Floods
The most recent bomb cyclone on November 19, 2024?
• Hazardous Materials
• Radiological Incidents
• Terrorist Attacks
• Landslides
• Tsunamis
• Volcanic Eruptions and Lahars
• Wildfires
Updated Bomb Threat Procedures and Checklist
The DSHS Office of Emergency Management recently updated the Bomb Threat Procedures and Checklist. The Procedures and Checklist can be found here on the DSHS Forms Picker: 02-645. If you work in the office, please print it on yellow paper and have it available in your cubicle. The procedures cover what to do if the threat is made by phone, is written, or through social media or email. The checklist provides a template on what information to collect.
If a suspicious item is found, call 911 immediately and notify security. See something, say something!
• Resources: Washington State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023: https://mil.wa.gov/asset/651ec296d76a9/2023_WA_SEHMP_final_20231004.pdf
• Ready.gov Disaster and Emergency – Hazard Information Sheets: https://www.ready.gov/be-informed
• FEMA’s National Risk Index Map: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/map
Hi ALTSA Family,
Partnering With You for Access and Inclusion
Jamie Wiggins EDAI Administrator
The continued threats to EDAI (DEI at the Federal level) have been weighing heavy on many of your hearts, and ours too. We share in your concerns for our immigrant and transgender friends, families, colleagues, and clients. Your ALTSA OEDAI team appreciates those of you who have reached out concerned for our roles and DSHS’s commitment to EDAI. We are thankful to be in Washington State and to work within an Administration that is continuing to place the highest priority on creating an equitable Washington through it’s EDAI efforts.
other is not merely critique, anger, commentary, ownership and false power. We have the capacity to hold each other, serve each other, heal each other, create for and with each other, forgive each other, and liberate ourselves and each other.”
We are one ALTSA, and we need all of us to ensure the best outcomes for Washingtonians and each other.
Adrienne Marie Brown states, “In community, our potential is truly realized. What we have to offer to each
Our invitation to you this month is to lean into your ALTSA community, find spaces of joy, healing and growth. We are one ALTSA, and we need all of us to ensure the best outcomes for Washingtonians and each other. Please continue to reach out to our office with your questions, concerns, and requests for support as we continue to navigate the changing landscape together.
Places to find Community:
Connection Café, Focal Point
HAPPEN, RAIN, SOVEREIGN, VERG and EAP
We are so excited to move into 2025 with Keya Burks, our newest team member, and would like to take the opportunity to introduce her to you.
Keya is joining our team as your Strategic Advisor for Proactive Equity, supporting the Home and Community Services Division and the Office of the Assistant Secretary. With a professional background spanning leadership development, organizational strategy, and equity-focused initiatives, she is deeply committed to fostering environments where equity is not just a guiding principle but an integral part of everyday practices.
Building Your Support and Resources
Amy Besel Senior Organizational Development Administrator
Happy February ALTSA Teammates! Thanks for showing-up every day with your passion, dedication, and commitment to our mission to partner with people to access support, care and resources. Your unique talents, experiences, and skills are an essential part of our culture in ALTSA and make a difference in the lives of those around you and the people we serve. Thank you for being here and choosing to grow with us in ALTSA!
Thanks for showing-up every day with your passion, dedication, and commitment to our mission.
1. Opportunities to grow: Check out our handy, one-page February AOD roll-up containing links to all the resources and opportunities we’ve created for you.
a. Everything we provide is free to you and driven by your input. Speaking of your input, watch for a brief survey from our team mid-February to help us identify what other growth and development opportunities would be helpful to you.
b. Explore ALTSA’s Staff Development Opportunities SharePoint site created in response to the 2023 Employee Survey.
c. Reminder we are adding several new Focal Points this year. Focal Points were created in 2015 based on employee survey feedback to support your development and connection.
2. Required Trainings: Congratulations to RCS for winning ALTSA’s 2024 Required Training Completion Race with a 96.5% completion rate! We all have a chance to get to 100% for 2025 if we get started now. Two important things to note:
a. DSHS has moved the completion deadline for the 2025 trainings from December 31 to September 1 to relieve end-of-calendar-year pressures and better support the performance review cycle, and ensure we follow DSHS Administrative policy 18.34.
b. The 2025 DSHS/ALTSA trainings have been assigned to you in the Learning Center. Go to LC Dashboard to get started.
You may find a list of all required trainings on Organizational Development Learning site.
Your Wellbeing Matters
Have you read the latest ALTSA Wellness Note? Explore the links! The ALTSA Wellness Note is created just for you each month with tips, resources, and support for your wellbeing. You are our greatest resource, and helping you find your harmony is part of ALTSA’s Strategic Plan Goal 6: Empower Staff Belonging, Engagement, Innovation and Wellbeing.
Also available to you are some wonderful, new, free DSHS Wellness Workshops and resources for 2025! Mark your calendar to join the March 12th ALTSA Thrives Connection Café 11:00-11:50 a.m. to learn about Habit Stacking! ALTSA Thrives is a safe, inclusive, judgement-free, and positive space to support your wellbeing. Bring a friend! You’ll be glad you did!
American Indian Policy Plan and Progress Reporting
Name Title
Tamara Gaston Administrator
DSHS Administrative Policy 7.01 (American Indian Policy) requires each division to develop an annual plan and progress report in consultation and collaboration with federally recognized tribes and Urban Indian Organizations. The 7.01 planning and reporting process is continuous throughout the calendar and fiscal year.
Tribal Affairs acknowledges ALTSA for their commitment to delivering culturally relevant services and their partnership with indigenous communities, tribes and Urban Indian Organizations.
To support timely reporting, Tribal Affairs shares these guidelines. Please ensure 7.01 plans and progress reports comply with the following requirements:
• Remove watermarks and hyperlinks.
• If the plan and progress report is in draft, insert the header: "The 7.01 plan between (Tribe) and (Division/Agency Name) is a living/working document that can be amended to meet the needs of Tribal members."
Tribal Affairs acknowledges ALTSA for their commitment to delivering culturally relevant services.
Learn More About Tribes of Washington Washington Tribes | washingtontribes.org
Frequently Accessed Resources Tribal Affairs FAQ ALTSA Tribal Affairs | DSHS (wa.gov)
7.01 Plans and Progress Report Schedule:
Please submit amended 7.01 Plans to Tamara Gaston and Office of Indian Policy when changes are made.
Deadlines:
• AAA: Last business day of October for CY January-December 2025
• All other divisions: FY July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
• ALTSA and AAOA Regional Administrators: April 2, 2025
Contact: Tamara Gaston tamara.gaston1@dshs.wa.gov 564-201-0549
Legislative Changes to WA Cares
Ben Veghte Long-Term Care Trust Director
7 in 10 of us will need long-term care at some point, and WA Cares provides flexible benefits that workers can use if they have an illness, accident, or other need for care later in life.
Over the past few years, the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Commission, the program’s oversight body, has made recommendations to the legislature for program
the contribution requirement. For the care need requirement, out-of-state beneficiaries must meet at least one of these two thresholds:
Be unable to perform (without substantial assistance from another person) at least two of the following activities for a period of at least 90 days: eating, toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing or continence.
WA Cares is an essential first step towards addressing the long-term care crisis.
improvements. Legislators have already passed a number of those recommendations, including improving the program last session by making WA Cares benefits portable. This year, legislators may consider the remaining recommendations such as the creation of a statutory framework for a supplemental private insurance market.
Portable benefits are an essential step to ensure Washingtonians who paid into WA Cares can still benefit if they move out of state. To become an out-of-state participant, workers must have contributed to WA Cares for at least three years (in which they worked at least 500 hours per year) and must opt in within a year of leaving Washington.
Require substantial supervision to protect the beneficiary from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairments.
The program is developing processes to make it easy for out-of-state beneficiaries to access benefits.
This change means workers don’t have to choose between keeping their WA Cares benefits or pursuing the next exciting chapter of their life. Whether they leave Washington for a new career opportunity or want to retire closer to their family in another state, they can keep participating in the WA Cares Fund and receive benefits in their new home.
WA Cares is an essential first step towards addressing the long-term care crisis and this change will allow more workers to benefit from the program.
Out-of-state participants will keep contributing to the fund during their working years. Benefits will become available for out-of-state participants starting in July 2030. These participants will use the same pathways as other workers to meet
Want to stay connected?
Watch our webinar recordings, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
Communication and Support During Legislative Season
Laura Han Legislative & Policy Analyst
Friends and Colleagues: 2025 Legislative Session is upon us!
Our legislature convenes in the first quarter of each year to write biennial and/or supplemental budgets and write and pass laws. ALTSA, as an executive branch agency, lends our expertise on long-term care to policy makers, legislators and the Governor as they write new policies that impact our book of business.
For those who participate in our bill analysis process, you are doing incredibly important work that informs strategic policy engagements for the Office of the Assistant Secretary and the Office of the Secretary during the legislative session.
The legislative process is not the most straightforward, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to engage, here are some resources to refresh your memory on how the legislative process works!
• SchoolHouse Rock’s How a Bill Becomes a Law (a classic for a reason).
• The Washington State Legislature’s How a Bill Becomes a Law step-by-step guide (not as fun but still good).
TAP TO READ
Memo: Upcoming 2025
Legislative Session –Legislative Protocols Refresher
• ALTSA’s Legislative Affairs SharePoint Site, which includes training materials on the legislative process, Lobby Gov (our bill analysis system) and legislative reports.
• Office of Financial Management’s Budget Process Guide.
• ALTSA’s Focal Point Site, where you can access upcoming Legislative Literacy 101 sessions.
In addition to the usual changes and, let’s face it, chaos typical of the legislative session, 2025 has been accompanied by some significant changes in state government. Governor Bob Ferguson was sworn into office January 15, 2025 and started his term by appointing new cabinet members, establishing his budget priorities, and setting up his executive leadership team.
While change can feel uncertain, it’s all a part of the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions!
PLEASE REMEMBER:
Staff should not testify or write letters to the legislature on behalf of DSHS or in their official capacity without explicit approval from the Assistant Secretary.
Due to state lobbying and ethics laws, if you want to testify or write a letter, you will need to do so on your own time. If you would like to engage on an issue that impacts ALTSA, please coordinate with Laura at laura.han@dshs.wa.gov.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. DSHS Beloved Community Award
“Make a career out of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we reflect on his legacy and how it inspires our work at ALTSA and in our communities. DSHS honors Dr. King by recognizing employees, community partners, and local businesses who share our commitment to his values and service. This annual award is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. DSHS Beloved Community Award.
Each administration nominates individuals and businesses that made significant contributions to the community, embodying values of social and economic justice, human rights, equality, and equity.
Let’s Celebrate
DSHS Award Winning Team
Business Partner Award – The Roboyo Global Business Group – Partner in the development of the Nurse Delegation System. Roboyo has demonstrated innovation, efficiency, and a deep understanding of our mission. Their expertise in process automation and system integration allowed a platform to be created that not only streamlines critical workflows, but it also ensures compliance and enhances service delivery to residents.
Also Nominated
DSHS Employee Award –Alixandria Cortez (Behavioral Health Support Team Manager)
Alixandria was nominated based on her dedication to equity, compassion, and service, leading her team with an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring the dignity of the residents. She believes every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves respect and equitable access to care. She consistently championed initiatives that promote understanding, reduce barriers, and address disparities in behavioral health services.
DSHS Team Award (two nominations)
Region 1 HCS State Hospital Discharge & Diversion Team
This team has curated a culture of belonging crucial for program success. They show up daily adapting in a changing environment by building positive communication pathways.
Workforce Development Unit
Members of this unit focus on improving the culture of caregiving for those who support older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain in their own homes and communities. This includes outreach to community partners who connect with immigrants, refugees, and low-income populations.
Community
Partner
Award – Kinship Navigator Program
Team members provide support for kinship caregivers by collaborating with Area Agencies on Aging, tribes, and community organizations. The program offers vital resources and assistance to caregivers, ensuring children remain in stable, nurturing environments that strengthens families and reflects a commitment to social justice and equality.
Ten Years of No Findings!
Rick Meyer External Audit Compliance Manager, Office of the Secretary
This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the FFA, ALTSA/DDA-MSD, and ESA teams. Please extend my gratitude to everyone involved for their exceptional efforts in maintaining such high standards. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail are evident and deeply appreciated. –Mike Anbesse, Deputy Assistant Secretary
The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) has completed their audit of the State of Washington’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. SAO performed a financial statement audit and audited the following balances related to DSHS:
Federal Grants In Aid and Human Services
Expenditures.
SAO found no issues and they have no recommendations. Since FY15, SAO has given DSHS a clean bill of health in regard to the Annual Financial Report. DSHS has not had a finding with this audit for ten years. Thank you to the FFA, ALTSA/ DDA-MSD and ESA staff for all the work they do!
THANK YOU!!!!
The Office of Financial Management prepares Washington state’s financial statements through annual financial and accountability audits. These statements reflect the financial activities of the state’s operations, including all funds, organizations, institutions, agencies, departments, and offices.
SAO conducts an annual financial statement audit of more than 850 individual state agencies and local governments. Every local government receives an accountability audit, however, only governments with over $2 million in annual revenues are required to receive a financial audit. These audits provide an opinion on whether the state’s financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable reporting framework. However, the audit does not attempt to confirm the accuracy of every amount but does search for errors large enough to affect the conclusions and decisions of a financial statement user.
The SAO audited the following balances related to DSHS activity:
Federal Grants-In-Aid: Audit focused on federal drawn-down requests to ensure they were based on actual grant expenditures in accordance with federal cash management requirements. They also tested to make sure the draw-downs were correctly calculated. Specifically, they focused on Title XIX Medicaid sub sources.
Human Services Expenditures: During the audit they tested to ensure payments were made to eligible providers, for eligible recipients, or for allowable services, made at correct rates and completely rolled up to AFRS from ProviderOne. They also conducted IT testing related to the ProviderOne system. Specifically, they focused DSHS testing on fee for service and social service payments.
Due From Other Governments: During the audit they focused on ensuring the amounts due from the federal government to reimburse program expenditures were supported by amounts actually paid during FY24 and were calculated correctly. The focus here was Title XIX Medicaid, but they also included SNAP, TANF and various other programs.
HCS Supports a Family in Bringing Their Child Home
Recognizing Becca Howard HCS Region 2
In January 2024, a complaint came in via the Governor’s office. A mother had spent the past year trying to bring her daughter back to Washington. Her daughter left Washington in October 2022 for a trip to Maryland and the client became involved in a terrible accident. She ended up in the hospital for 3 months, had multiple surgeries, and was transferred to a nursing facility in Maryland in January 2023. The mother, and her other daughter became guardians of the client and sought ways to get the client back to Washington, where the client’s family, including her children, lived.
The complaint was assigned to Region 2 Social and Health Program Consultant (SHPC) Becca Howard who connected with the nursing facility in Maryland and made referrals to nursing facilities in Washington. After 6 weeks of denials, the case was brought to Managed Care Organization liaison Laura Botero. Becca made more referrals to Washington nursing facilities.
And then in May 2024, Becca presented the case at two staff meetings and following the recommendations from those meetings, Becca connected with Raphaella, with the Maryland Ombudsman program. Raphaella became the boots on the ground and met with the nursing facility staff in person and helped to facilitate care conferences.
The
client now lives successfully in this adult family home and able to walk her kids to school and spend more time with them.
In August 2024, Becca conducted an out of state, telephone assessment with the client to find an acceptable adult family home the client and family would approve. By October, one was identified. The client and her guardians approved of the home, and it was located nearby where the client’s children lived. The client’s mom and sister flew to Maryland in November and brought the client back to Washington. The client now lives successfully in this adult family home and able to walk her kids to school and spend more time with them.
Celebrating Our People
If you know any of these folks, please take a moment to send them a RAVE review which will be cc’d to their supervisor! Or send them a Teams message to thank them for their service. Either way, peer recognition matters, and is one more way we all contribute to ALTSA being the culture we want it to be and our Employer of Choice!
Office of the Assistant Secretary
Christine continues to be a strong positive influence on her team. She is consistently up-beat and consistently meets goals and expectations. Her hard work and dedication is noticed and appreciated.
Thanks Christine for you hard work and getting the job done.
Marvin C
Arcon S, Nicole and I want to celebrate your remarkable perseverance and continuous improvement. You have exhibited determination, grit, and commitment. APS is fortunate to have such a resilient and hardworking individual on our team.
Angela A
Cynthia has been moved through multiple rotations for the unit. This is difficult as rotation changes will cause additional drive time to meet with clients and complete investigations. Even with the changes in rotation Cynthia continues to meet IFF timelines.
Your willingness to be flexible and support the team is greatly appreciated and noticed throughout the team.
Thank you, Cynthia, for being such a great TEAM player.
Marvin C
Kaila has an assessment scheduled for February 5, 2025. She has kindly agreed to take an application and AREP Form to the client for their signature, as we currently only have the caregiver’s signature on the application. I wanted to express my gratitude for her efforts. Teamwork like this significantly eases everyone’s job.
Thank you!
Roxanne L
Take time to appreciate others by sending them a RAVE Review! Bookmark the link! It’s so easy and can really impact a sense of connection and belonging for both the sender and receiver! Who do you appreciate? Tell them now!
Rebecca is a policy powerhouse. She is so knowledgeable and always makes time for my policy questions. She truly helps empower me to grow in my own understanding and is contributing to me feeling like I can support and triage questions to better serve everyone on my team. Thank you for your continued dedication to APS and policy Rebecca.
Victoria GM
Mandy was on point for a meeting we had today regarding individuals experiencing self-neglect. Even though she is new to the team, she is extremely knowledgeable and was able to give voice to concerns that I had but am not nearly as able to articulate. She is a fantastic addition to the team and I look forward to continuing to work with her in projects to come.
Victoria GM
Employer of Choice
Please use this EOC Ideas Submission Form to share your ideas for helping DSHS be an employer of choice. Check out Employer of Choice - Home (sharepoint.com)
Alternative Dispute Resolution Service
Explore this resource from the DSHS Office of Justice and Civil Rights to learn more about Mediation, Facilitation, Conflict Coaching, and Training.
Shared Leave
Did you know you can donate your leave to a coworker in need? If you have over 80 hours of Annual Leave, over 176 hours of Sick Leave, or a Personal Holiday available, your donation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for considering! Visit: Shared Leave site.
February Focal Point Sessions
The schedule can be found in two convenient locations. Visit 2025 Focal Point Training Topics or Focal Point SharePoint site
Inclusion and Accessibility for Deaf, Deaf Blind and Hard of Hearing
When: 2/12, 10:00 – 11:20 AM
Presenter: Michael Fox
Introduction to OneNote
When: 2/20, 10:00 – 11:50 AM
Presenter: Tania Gariano
Neurodiversity and Inclusion (New)
When: 2/25, 1:00 – 2:20 PM
Presenter: Amy Besel
Click on the House of Strategic Planning to see the full graphic in PDF format.
