OLYMPIA - The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is terminating a supported living provider contract because of a number of incidents at one of its Spokane residential programs.

Over the past several months, Aacres Spokane received several citations from Residential Care Services (RCS) based on serious non-compliance with the law and regulations to properly care for its nearly 60 clients. Most notably, a 64-year-old woman died following a medication administration error, and for failure to comply with mandatory abuse and neglect reporting requirements.

“We have lost confidence in Aacres Spokane,” said Evelyn Perez, Assistant Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). “Not being in compliance with regulations and ensuring the health and safety of our clients is unacceptable.”

Perez added that DDA will work with the clients, families, guardians and providers on a smooth transition, and will offer them opportunities to choose a different service provider.

DSHS will continue to work with communities, lawmakers, stakeholders, advocates and others to provide suitable living options for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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