Frequently Asked Questions: Standards for Certification of 1-2 Bed Adult Family Homes
The standards will be implemented on July 1, 2014. On December 13, 2013 the Department of Health Services (DHS) released Numbered Memo 2013-06, which stated that the implementation of the new 1-2 Bed AFH standards was postponed until July 1, 2014.
Certifying agencies are not required to recertify each home at or before that date. An AFH's existing certification remains valid until its expiration. Recertification will be done in accordance with the new standards.
No. DHS will not develop standards or benchmarks for staff training. The certifying agency is expected to develop their own training standards based on guidance provided in Article III of the 1-2 Bed Adult Family Home Standards (PDF, 352 KB) and the provider agency's needs.
No. DHS will not develop a template. Placement agencies are expected to develop their own interagency agreements based on the agreed-upon terms. Interagency agreements must meet the requirements outlined in Article III.B.5. of the 1-2 Bed Adult Family Home Standards (PDF, 352 KB).
Yes. A certifying agency can choose not to contract with a 1-2 Bed AFH provider who allows concealed carry, but it cannot refuse to certify an AFH on this basis. Certifying agencies should consult with their own legal counsel for additional guidance if they have further questions on the concealed carry law.
No. A person under the age of 18 may not be placed in an AFH that does not have a children's foster home license. The statutory definition of an AFH is in Wis. Stats., Chapter 50. Although that particular statute specifically pertains to 3-4 Bed AFHs, the same rule applies to 1-2 Bed AFHs.
No. A Respite Home is different than an AFH because it does not have permanent residents. Under the 1-2 Bed AFH standards, a respite provider may provide respite services in his or her own home without obtaining a certification as a 1-2 Bed AFH. This standard applies to respite providers contracted with counties, as well as Family Care Managed Care Organizations.
Yes, if the home is a Community Care Home. Article IX.I. of the 1-2 Bed Adult Family Home Standards (PDF, 352 KB) allows a Community Care Home to provide respite care services as long as the certifying agency determines that the home meets the conditions related to the physical home space and staffing needs provided in this article. However, a Traditional AFH must meet all of the conditions in Article IX.I., and must receive the certifying agency's approval through the exception process, as described in Article II of the standards, before the home can provide respite care services.
A 1-2 Bed AFH can provide not more than 28 consecutive days of respite for an individual. A 1-2 Bed AFH is limited to 90 total respite days per calendar year. See Article IX.I.7 and Article IX.I.8.
A respite home can provide not more than 28 consecutive calendar days of respite care for an individual. There is no limit on the total respite days a respite home can provide.