1. Program Definition and Services
Respite Care Services in Washington provide temporary relief for primary, unpaid caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related limitations. The program supports independent living by preventing caregiver burnout and avoiding premature institutional placement. Services include:
- In-Home Personal Care: One-on-one temporary assistance in the individual's private residence (In-Home Respite Care, day respite, personal care support, medication reminders, and community engagement)
- Residential Personal Care: Short-term, overnight, or emergency relief provided outside the home in a secure, certified setting (Facility-Based Respite, Overnight Planned Respite, Enhanced Respite Services for youth, and structured group activities)
2. Regulations
The program is governed by the following regulations:
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 388-845
- WAC Chapter 388-825
- WAC Chapter 246-335
- Title 182 WAC
3. Licensing or Certification
Providers must be certified and contracted by the DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). Agencies delivering in-home care must hold a Home Care Agency license from the DOH.
4. Responsible State Agency
The Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), in coordination with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), is responsible for reviewing applications, issuing service contracts, and certifying respite care providers.
5. Application Process
The application process is handled through two steps: first, providers must submit a contract request packet directly to the local DDA Regional Contracts Office to obtain a Client Service Contract.
6. Required Documentation
While specific documentation requirements vary based on the target waiver, providers typically need to submit:
- Proof of business formation with the Secretary of State (UBI number) and active corporate Type 2 NPI
- Comprehensive Agency Policy & Procedure Manual tailored to Washington DDA and EVV standards
- Cleared DSHS background checks and fingerprinting verifications for all agency staff
- Verification of staff qualifications, CPR/First Aid cards, and 75-hour core training records (or exemptions)
- Proof of operational commercial general liability, professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance
7. Timeline for Approval
The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Corporate registration and initial staff onboarding take 2 to 3 weeks.
8. Pre-Application Process
Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying.
9. Pre-Application Training
The state requires designated agency heads, administrators, and direct care personnel to complete mandatory orientation and compliance training sessions.
10. Additional Notes
- Respite care must strictly function as intermittent caregiver relief; it cannot replace regular daycare or duplicate active state personal care hours
- In-home respite providers must utilize state-integrated Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) software to track shift locations, check-in timestamps, and care activities
- All staff must pass a fingerprint-based background check via the DSHS Background Check Central System (BCCS) before delivering care
- Meticulous daily logs, time records, and encounter shift notes must be maintained to fulfill Medicaid billing validation and state compliance audits
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