[WSBAPT] Group Family Home Contract and Reimbursement when on Hospice

[Jeff Crollard]

Hello Brent,

It’s both morally repugnant, and illegal.

RCW 70.129.150 (part of the residents’ rights law that applies to all licensed group family homes) says regardless of any contract or notice requirements, if a resident dies the facility must refund within 30 days any deposits or charges paid, minus up to 5 days’ rate for the reasonable costs to re-rent the room.  The actual language in RCW 70.129.150(1) is more convoluted, but that’s what it boils down to.  RCW 70.129.150: Disclosure of fees and notice requirements—Deposits.<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.129.150>

RCW 70.129.150(2) says admission contracts must comply with the above section, i.e., the statute supersedes the contract.  There is no exception for hospice residents.

RCW 70.129.105 says no facility can require or requests a resident to waive any rights.  RCW 70.129.105: Waiver of liability and resident rights limited.<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.129.105>

RCW 70.129.010(7) defines “resident” to include their representative, i.e., this person’s wife.  RCW 70.129.010: Definitions.<https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.129.010>

Sorrel v. Eagle Healthcare, Inc., 110 Wn.App. 290, 293 (2002) held that violation of this residents’ rights refund statute is a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.

I trust that this is specific enough to get their attention.

Jef

Crollard Law Office, PLLC
336  36th Street, # 436
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone:  425-864-1710
jbc at crollardlaw.com<mailto:jbc at crollardlaw.com>

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Brent Williams-Ruth
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 10:06 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Group Family Home Contract and Reimbursement when on Hospice

Greetings List Members -

A client of mine passed away early this month through Medical Aid in Dying. The process of precisely when happened very quickly after she was taken to the hospital. She elected to be put on hopsice care and the hospital then said she needed to go to a different location.

She ended up in a group family home where her wife, who was not in her best state of mind, signed the paperwork allowing as such and paying the $1500 evaluation fee and the $9000 for a month of the house.  Decedent died two days later.

Come to find out that the contract with the group family home has a provision that says they will issue a prorated refund to those who die EXCEPT to those who enter the home already on hospice care.

I find this morally repugnant.  She could have paid for 24 hour RN care at her home for less.

Before I begin the crusade of torches, pitchforks, and meetings with my legislators - I wanted to see if others have seen this specific provision and/or have guidance as to why a 91 year old who was planning to die in a couple days should have been forced to pay a total of $10,500 for TWO DAYS of care.

Thank you,
Brent


Brent Williams-Ruth (pronouns: he/him)
Attorney-At-Law

Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC

Physical Address: 500 S 336th Street, Suite 214; Federal Way, WA 98003

Mailing Address: PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063

Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751

For All Meetings & Scheduling: info at williams-ruthlaw.com<mailto:info at williams-ruthlaw.com>

e-mail<mailto:Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com> / website<http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/> / facebook<http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw> /
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