Emergency Evacuation Reporting Amidst Fire Season Threat
Washington state is experiencing severe dry weather, active wildfires, and scattered smoke. Providers are encouraged to refer to the following reminders from the Department of Social and Health Services with regards to emergency evacuation reporting:
Evacuation Levels set by the County Sheriff or other authority within the area in the case of wildfires:
Level 1: Ready - severe threats are determined from approaching fires
Level 2: Set - significant risk is now present and individuals must consider voluntarily leaving or relocating
Level 3: Go - imminent danger; evacuation must be done so immediately
Providers must report evacuations to the Department of Social and Health Services via the online reporting portal or calling 1-800-562-6078. All details relating to the evacuation of the adult family home residents, staff, and clients must be reported.
With regards to payment for CARE services, providers must not claim authorization if the residents are relocated to another licensed or contracted facility. The Department of Social and Health Services will allow the adult family home residents to claim bed holds until they return. However, if the staff continues to provide care when the residents are relocated, providers may claim payment at the authorized daily rate.
Always keep records up to date and to be in communication with the case managers until the authorities deem it safe to return.