Lobby Day is an important opportunity for Adult Family Home providers to advocate for policies that directly affect daily operations, resident care, and long term sustainability in the state of Washington.
Hosted by the Adult Family Home Council and sponsored by Synkwise, Lobby Day allows AFH providers to connect directly with state legislators and share real world experiences from the front lines of care.
This guide breaks down what Lobby Day is, why it matters, and what issues are being advocated for, so you can quickly decide how to participate.
What Is AFH Lobby Day?
AFH Lobby Day is an annual advocacy event held during Washington’s legislative session. It brings Adult Family Home providers together to meet with lawmakers and discuss issues impacting the AFH industry.
For 2026, there are two ways to participate:
- Virtual Lobby Day – January 27, 2026
- In Person Lobby Day – March 2, 2026 at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia
The virtual option allows providers across the state to participate without travel, while the in person day offers face to face meetings with legislators.
Why AFH Advocacy Matters
Decisions made during the legislative session directly impact:
- Medicaid reimbursement rates
- Licensing and inspection requirements
- Staffing rules and training expectations
- Case management and referrals
Without provider input, policies may be created without fully understanding how Adult Family Homes operate. Lobby Day gives AFH providers a chance to educate lawmakers and influence outcomes that affect residents and staff.
2026 Legislative Priorities for Adult Family Homes
The Adult Family Home Council has outlined clear priorities for the 2026 session, which you can find here: AFH Council Legislative Priorities PDF
Below is a high level summary of the main topics providers and the Council will be advocating for during Lobby Day.
Medicaid Funding and Sustainability
Many AFHs rely heavily on Medicaid. Providers are advocating for fair and sustainable Medicaid rates that reflect the true cost of care, staffing, and compliance.
The Council is also pushing to restore the Meaningful Day program, which previously supported community activities for residents with developmental disabilities and was removed despite being included in the collective bargaining agreement.
Licensing and WAC Modernization
Adult Family Homes are regulated under Chapter 388 76 WAC. While regulation is necessary, some requirements create unnecessary barriers.
One example is WAC 388 76 10265, which requires tuberculosis testing within three days of employment. Providers have raised concerns about repeated TB testing when caregivers move between licensed homes, causing hiring delays and staffing challenges.
Advocacy efforts focus on updating outdated or duplicative WAC requirements while maintaining resident safety.
MCO Payment Delays
AFHs providing specialized services often experience delayed payments from Managed Care Organizations. These delays can create serious cash flow issues and disrupt daily operations.
Lobby Day discussions include improving accountability and payment timelines to ensure providers are paid accurately and on time for the care they deliver.
Case Management and Referrals
Providers continue to experience challenges with inconsistent referrals and delayed assessments. The Council is pushing for fair referral practices and clearer case management communication to ensure residents are placed appropriately and homes can operate efficiently.
Why Participation Matters
When AFH providers speak directly to lawmakers, policy conversations change.
Whether you attend virtually or in person, your voice matters. Lobby Day is one of the most effective ways to protect your home, support your residents, and strengthen the future of Adult Family Homes in Washington.
How to Register for Washington AFH Lobby Day 2026
Registration for Lobby Day 2026 is now open through the Adult Family Home Council website.
You can register and learn more here: Lobby Day Registration
Why the Synkwise Story Matters to the Adult Family Home Industry
Synkwise was built by former and current Adult Family Home providers who understand the realities of operating a licensed AFH in Washington State. From navigating Washington WAC requirements to managing staffing shortages, inspections, audits, and medication documentation, our founders faced the same challenges providers deal with every day.
Adult Family Homes are the backbone of community based long term care, yet many providers are still forced to rely on outdated paper systems that increase compliance risk, medication errors, and administrative burnout. Synkwise was created to solve those exact problems.
As a purpose built software platform for Adult Family Homes, Synkwise helps providers stay inspection ready and organized through tools designed specifically for AFHs, including electronic health records, eMAR medication management, compliance documentation, and resident care tracking.
Because Synkwise is built by providers, not just for providers, every feature reflects real world caregiving workflows, Washington WAC requirements, and the advocacy priorities supported by the Adult Family Home Council. Our mission is to help Adult Family Homes remain compliant, financially sustainable, and empowered with technology as regulatory expectations continue to grow.
