With State Agencies: WAHSA regularly works with the Departments of Social and Health Services, Health, Revenue, Labor and Industries, and Community, Trade and Economic Development, as well as the Governor’s Office, Office of Financial Management, State Fire Marshal, the Insurance Commissioner, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. WAHSA staff and members are strong participants on committees, task forces and work groups established by these state agencies to develop rules, regulations, and policies which affect housing and services for elders in Washington.

Advocacy Materials: WAHSA provides an extensive Legislative Handbook for use by members to enhance ability to effectively advocate before Washington’s legislature. WAHSA’s Public Policy White Papers, published annually, provide talking points when working with Legislators and other state policy-makers. WAHSA’s annual Legislative Day is a prime opportunity for all members to meet with Legislators and educate them about our issues. WAHSA also coordinates visits for members with Washington’s Congressional Delegation in Washington DC each spring, and at home in their Districts.

WAHSA members receive a consolidated "e-mailing" each month, containing information supplied by state agencies and our national affiliate, American Association of Housing and Services for the Aging. The Communiqué is published monthly. Legislative Updates and Calls for Action are often sent via e-mail, as well as breaking regulatory news.

WAHSA sponsored conferences and seminars provide members with the tools needed to meet state and federal regulations, and to continue to provide the highest quality of life to the residents and clients they serve.

Annual Meeting & Exposition: A wide variety of educational incentives and workshops are offered at WAHSA’s Annual Meeting each summer, as well as time for networking throughout the meeting. In addition, the exhibit hall is packed with vendors displaying their services at the trade show during the Annual Meeting.

Winter Meeting: Each Winter WAHSA offers members an opportunity to meet with national experts to tackle timely topics related to services for the elderly.

Seminars: WAHSA sponsors timely and relevant seminars throughout the year to provide information to help providers enhance the quality of life for elders. WAHSA is the co-sponsor of many seminars with state regulators and other associations to ensure providers receive the information they need on a timely basis.

Eastside Chapter: WAHSA members on the eastern side of the state gather regularly for educational and networking opportunities.

Forums: WAHSA offers a unique networking opportunity through its staff and resident forum structure. Various disciplines such as Nursing, Activities Professionals, Chaplains, Fund Development, Social Services, Environmental Services, Dietary, and Human Resources, meet together on a regular basis for education and sharing of information. Residents from WAHSA member organizations also meet quarterly.

Committees and Work Groups: WAHSA’s policies and goals are determined by its members through an active committee and work group network. The committees study the important political, economic, and legal issues affecting WAHSA members and make recommendations to the WAHSA Board. Key regulators attend WAHSA committee meetings by invitation for open discussions regarding issues.

WAHSA’s group programs are available to all members:

Group Purchasing: WAHSA’s group purchasing program provides members savings through group purchasing power and volume discounts. The program also helps member organizations manage their purchasing costs by offering programs such as: Menu Planning Consultation, Standardization Program, Price Audits and Equipment Bidding Service.

Group Retrospective Rating Program: This member benefit is an optional financial incentive program offered by the Department of Labor and Industries to help qualifying employers reduce their industrial insurance costs, through effective accident prevention and claims management processes. It has historically generated substantial refunds of workers’ compensation premiums to participating members.