2163-S

AN ACT Relating to residential habilitation centers; adding new sections to chapter 71A.20 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 71A.20 RCW to read as follows:

The legislature recognizes that living in home and community-based settings is most conducive to personal growth and independence for people with developmental disabilities and is generally more cost-effective than institutional care. The legislature also recognizes that state institutions for people with developmental disabilities are needed for special populations who require care, treatment, or supervision that cannot be provided in a safe and cost-effective manner in home and community-based settings. The legislature intends that the residential habilitation centers shall develop into specialized resources to assure public safety, provide assessments and treatment plans for specialized disabling conditions, or provide specialized support that cannot be provided in a cost-effective manner through home or community-based services.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The secretary shall establish an appropriate methodology, including use of a standardized assessment instrument, and assess each current resident of a residential habilitation center. The secretary shall analyze the data and report the score distributions and appropriate summary information. In addition, for each assessment the secretary shall:

(1) Identify the client-specific barriers to a community placement, including:

(a) Parent or guardian opposition to a community placement;

(b) Significant risks to public safety if the resident moves to a community placement;

(d) Need for intensive medical services not available at reasonable cost in a community placement;

(e) Need for other supports or supervision not available at reasonable cost in a community placement; and

(f) Other client-specific barriers to a community placement.

(2) Analyze all placement options and comparable costs in order to determine the most cost-effective type of placement in which the resident can receive needed supports and services.

The secretary shall report the information required under this section to the appropriate legislative committees by November 15, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 71A.20 RCW to read as follows:

By December 15, 1994, the secretary shall transmit to the appropriate legislative committees a plan on the recommended size and services of each residential habilitation center as of the year 2001, with milestones for each preceding fiscal year. The plan shall include:

(1) Specific criteria for residence in a residential habilitation center consistent with the intent of chapter ‑-, Laws of 1994 (this act);

(2) An estimate of the number of people who are expected to meet the criteria for residence in a residential habilitation center;

(3) A plan with timelines and cost estimates for assuring safe, cost-effective community care for the current residents who do not meet residential habilitation center placement criteria;

(4) Proposed uses for excess residential habilitation center grounds and buildings by other governmental or private entities in ways that the proceeds will benefit people with developmental disabilities; and

(5) Strategies to retrain and/or provide new jobs in developmental disability community care or in other public service for any staff not needed in the residential habilitation centers. The strategies shall include but not be limited to options for development of cost-effective publicly operated community-based residential and other support services. The legislature recognizes the commitments that have been made to the state-operated living arrangements.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. To assist in preparation of the plan required under section 3 of this act, the secretary shall convene a task force consisting of representatives from the advocacy round table, developmental disabilities planning council, and state employee unions. The task force shall advise and make recommendations to the secretary on the plan and related issues for people with developmental disabilities. To the extent possible, the task force shall examine existing studies and data concerning service delivery and need by geographic area, public and private capacity to deliver services, funding mechanisms, reimbursement formulas, state regulations, and other factors affecting costs and quality of services for people with developmental disabilities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.