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How to End a Referral Relationship with a Senior Placement Agency in Washington
Summary
Washington law protects families from exclusive referral agreements and allows them to stop using any senior placement agency at any time without fees. This post explains why ending implied relationships matters and provides a downloadable form to help you notify agencies and move forward confidently with your search.
Many families do not realize that when they speak with a senior placement agency, request a list of care options, or answer intake questions, they may unintentionally create an implied working relationship. In Washington, this matters because providers often rely on these relationships to determine who is representing a family and which referral fees may apply.
State law protects you from being locked in. Under RCW 18.330, agencies cannot require exclusive agreements, and you may stop using any referral service at any time without penalty or cancellation fees. You are always free to choose the advisor you trust.
If you have interacted with multiple agencies, or if you were contacted by a national dot-com site you did not intend to work with, it is helpful to formally end those relationships. This avoids confusion when touring and ensures that communities know which advisor, if any, is currently assisting you.
To make this process easier, we have created a simple one-page termination form. You can send it to any placement agency you are no longer working with so they can notify all providers and cancel any implied referral arrangements. This protects your choice, prevents misunderstandings, and keeps your search moving forward.