Recently, an individual from 1st Amendment Auditors appeared at a licensed provider facility that was co-located with a state office. When these individuals visit state office buildings, they have a right to make public records requests and take video of the parking lot, vehicles, and people entering the buildings. Often the person is wearing a mask to conceal their own identity. These are all acceptable actions for state office buildings.

We believe that the person above mistook the long-term care facility for a state agency as they were co-located with a state agency. However, to be prepared in the unlikely event that this may occur at your location, you may want to inform and advise staff of the actions your facility would implement to protect resident privacy, health, and safety.

If you have any questions, please contact Residential Care Services by emailing RCSPolicy@dshs.wa.gov

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/rcs/documents/multiple/023-03-17-1.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery