S-0051.6                   _______________________________________________

 

                                                     SENATE BILL 5490

                              _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

 

By Senators Niemi, L. Smith, Talmadge, Wojahn, M. Rasmussen, McAuliffe and Erwin

 

Read first time 02/01/93.  Referred to Committee on Health & Human Services.

 

Reforming the provisions and delivery of services for individuals with developmental disabilities.


          AN ACT Relating to developmental disabilities; amending RCW 71A.10.015, 71A.10.020, 71A.10.050, 71A.10.060, 71A.10.070, 71A.12.010, 71A.12.020, 71A.12.030, 71A.12.060, 71A.12.070, 71A.12.080, 71A.12.100, 71A.12.120, 71.14A.020, 71A.14.030, 71A.14.040, 71A.14.050, 71A.14.060, 71A.14.070, 71A.14.080, 71A.14.090, 71A.14.110, 71A.16.020, 71A.16.040, 71A.16.050, 71A.18.010, 71A.18.020, 71A.18.040, and 71A.18.050; adding a new section to chapter 71A.12 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 71A.14 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 71A.16 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 71A.20 RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 71A.10.010, 71A.10.800, 71A.10.901, 71A.10.902, 71A.12.040, 71A.12.050, and 71A.14.010.

 

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

 

        Sec. 1.  RCW 71A.10.015 and 1988 c 176 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:

          The legislature recognizes the capacity of all persons, including those with developmental disabilities, to be personally and socially productive.  The legislature further recognizes the state's obligation to provide aid to persons with developmental disabilities and their families through a uniform, coordinated system of locally administered services to enable them to achieve a greater measure of independence and fulfillment and to enjoy all rights and privileges under the Constitution and laws of the United States and the state of Washington.  The legislature recognizes that living in home and community-based settings is most conducive to personal growth and independence and is generally more cost-effective that institutional care.  Toward this goal, the legislature intends to preserve, strengthen, and maintain families caring for their members with developmental disabilities.

 

        Sec. 2.  RCW 71A.10.020 and 1988 c 176 s 102 are each amended to read as follows:

          As used in this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

          (1) "Department" means the department of social and health services.

          (2) "Developmental disability" means ((a disability attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another neurological or other condition of an individual found by the secretary to be closely related to mental retardation or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation, which disability originates before the individual attains age eighteen, which has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and which constitutes a substantial handicap to the individual.  By January 1, 1989, the department shall promulgate rules which define neurological or other conditions in a way that is not limited to intelligence quotient scores as the sole determinate [determinant] of these conditions, and notify the legislature of this action)) severe, chronic disability that (a) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment (or combination); (b) is manifested before age twenty-two years; (c) is likely to continue indefinitely; (d) results in a number of substantial functional limitations of activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living to be defined by the secretary in rule.  Persons who received services on January 1, 1993, shall continue to be eligible to receive services as determined by individual service plan assessments performed under this title.

          (3) "Early childhood development services" means services designed to ameliorate the effects of a developmental delay in a child under age three.  Depending upon the child's assessed needs, such services may include audiology, communication disorders therapy, family counseling and education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, and special instruction.

          (((3))) (4) "Eligible person" means a person who has been found by the secretary or local support network under RCW 71A.16.040 to be eligible for services.

          (5) "Family" means the unit that consists of an individual member with a developmental disability and one or more natural, adoptive, or foster parents, or siblings, or grandparents, or children, or guardians, regardless of where each member resides.

          (((4))) (6) "Habilitative services" means ((those)) services ((provided by program personnel)) to assist persons in acquiring and maintaining life skills and to raise their levels of physical, mental, social, and vocational functioning.  Habilitative services include, but are not limited to, education, training for employment, ((and)) therapy, and residential skills training and support.

          (((5))) (7) "Legal representative" means a parent of a person who is under eighteen years of age, a person's legal guardian, a person's limited guardian when the subject matter is within the scope of the limited guardianship, a person's attorney at law, a person's attorney in fact, or any other person who is authorized by law to act for another person.

          (((6))) (8) "Local support network" means one or more regional support networks according to chapter 71.24 RCW and either (a) having a resident population of not fewer than one hundred fifty thousand persons or (b) consisting of not fewer than three counties.

          (9) "Notice" or "notification" of an action of the secretary means notice in compliance with RCW 71A.10.060.

          (((7))) (10) "Residential habilitation center" means a state-operated facility for persons with developmental disabilities governed by chapter 71A.20 RCW.

          (((8))) (11) "Residential setting" means a setting in which an individual or agency contracts with and is reimbursed by the department or a local support network to provide assistance with activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living.  Such settings include but are not limited to adult family homes, assisted living facilities, children's foster homes, group homes, including state-operated living alternatives, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded, nursing homes, public and private psychiatric hospitals, residential habilitation centers, and tenant support arrangements.

          (12) "Secretary" means the secretary of social and health services or the secretary's designee.

          (((9))) (13) "Service" or "services" means ((services provided by state or local government)) actions and activities undertaken to increase the independence of persons with developmental disabilities provided by the state in residential habilitation centers or by local support networks to carry out this title.

          (14) "Therapeutic services" means occupational, physical, communication, respiratory, vision, behavior management, mental health, medication management, and other therapies to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capacities of individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

        Sec. 3.  RCW 71A.10.050 and 1989 c 175 s 138 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) An applicant or recipient or former recipient of a developmental disabilities service under this title from the department of social and health services or the local support network has the right to appeal the following department or local support network actions:

          (a) A denial of an application for eligibility under RCW 71A.16.040;

          (b) An unreasonable delay in acting on an application for eligibility, for a service, or for an alternative service under RCW 71A.18.040;

          (c) A denial, reduction, or termination of a service;

          (d) A claim that the person owes a debt to the state for an overpayment;

          (e) A disagreement with an action of the secretary under RCW 71A.10.060 or 71A.10.070;

          (f) A decision to return a resident of ((an [a])) a residential habilitation center to the community; and

          (g) A decision to change a person's ((placement)) support from one ((category)) type of ((residential services to a different category of residential services)) support to another.

          The adjudicative proceeding is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.

          (2) This subsection applies only to an adjudicative proceeding in which the department action appealed is a decision to return a person who is a resident of a habilitation center as of the effective date of this act to the community.  The resident or his or her representative may appeal on the basis of whether the specific placement decision is in the best interests of the resident.  When the resident or his or her representative files an application for an adjudicative proceeding under this section the department has the burden of proving that the specific placement decision is ((in the best interests)) of equal or greater value to the resident.

          (3) When the department takes any action described in subsection (1) of this section it shall give notice as provided by RCW 71A.10.060.  The notice must include a statement advising the recipient of the right to an adjudicative proceeding and the time limits for filing an application for an adjudicative proceeding.  Notice of a decision to return a resident of a habilitation center to the community under RCW 71A.20.080 must also include a statement advising the recipient of the right to file a petition for judicial review of an adverse adjudicative order as provided in chapter 34.05 RCW.

 

        Sec. 4.  RCW 71A.10.060 and 1989 c 175 s 139 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) Whenever this title requires the secretary to give notice, the secretary shall give notice to the person with a developmental disability and, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, to at least one other person.  The other person shall be the first person known to the secretary in the following order of priority:

          (a) A legal representative of the person with a developmental disability;

          (b) A parent of a person with a developmental disability who is eighteen years of age or older;

          (c) Other kin of the person with a developmental disability, with preference to persons with the closest kinship;

          (d) The Washington protection and advocacy system for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, appointed in compliance with 42 U.S.C. Sec. 6042; or

          (e) A person who is not an employee of the department or of a person who contracts with the department under this title who, in the opinion of the secretary, will be concerned with the welfare of the person.

          (2) Notice to a person with a developmental disability shall be given in a way that the person is best able to understand.  This can include reading or explaining the materials to the person.

          (3) A person with a developmental disability may, in ((writing)) a way that the person is best able, request the secretary to give notice only to that person.  The secretary shall comply with that direction unless the secretary denies the request because the person may be at risk of losing rights if the secretary complies with the request.  The secretary shall give notice as provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.  On filing an application with the secretary within thirty days of receipt of the notice, the person who made the request has the right to an adjudicative proceeding under RCW 71A.10.050 on the secretary's decision.

          (4) The giving of notice to a person under this title does not empower the person who is given notice to take any action or give any consent.

 

        Sec. 5.  RCW 71A.10.070 and 1989 c 175 s 140 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) Whenever this title places on the secretary the duty to consult, the secretary shall carry out that duty by consulting with the person with a developmental disability and, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, with at least one other person.  The other person shall be in order of priority:

          (a) A legal representative of the person with a developmental disability;

          (b) A parent of a person with a developmental disability who is eighteen years of age or older;

          (c) Other kin of the person with a developmental disability, with preference to persons with the closest kinship;

          (d) The Washington protection and advocacy system for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, appointed in compliance with 42 U.S.C. Sec. 6042; or

          (e) Any other person who is not an employee of the department or of a person who contracts with the department under this title who, in the opinion of the secretary, will be concerned with the welfare of the person.

          (2) A person with a developmental disability may, in ((writing)) a way that the person is best able, request the secretary to consult only with that person.  The secretary shall comply with that direction unless the secretary denies the request because the person may be at risk of losing rights if the secretary complies with the request.  The secretary shall give notice as provided in RCW 71A.10.060 when a request is denied.  On filing an application with the secretary within thirty days of receipt of the notice, the person who made the request has the right to an adjudicative proceeding under RCW 71A.10.050 on the secretary's decision.

          (3) Consultation with a person under this section does not authorize the person who is consulted to take any action or give any consent.

 

        Sec. 6.  RCW 71A.12.010 and 1988 c 176 s 201 are each amended to read as follows:

          It is declared to be the policy of the state to authorize the secretary to ((develop and coordinate state)) encourage the local development and coordination of services for persons with developmental disabilities and their families; to encourage research and staff training for state and local personnel working with persons with developmental disabilities and their families; and to cooperate with communities to encourage the establishment and development of services to persons with developmental disabilities through locally administered and locally controlled programs.

          The complexities of developmental disabilities require ((the)) that community services ((of)) be funded by many state departments ((as well as those of)) in addition to services funded and supported within the community.  Services should be planned ((and)), provided, and coordinated as a part of a ((continuum)) local support network.  A pattern of facilities and services should be established, within appropriations designated for this purpose, which is sufficiently complete to meet the needs of each person with a developmental disability regardless of age or degree of handicap, and at each stage of the person's development.

 

        Sec. 7.  RCW 71A.12.020 and 1988 c 176 s 202 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) To the extent that state, federal, or other funds designated for services to persons with developmental disabilities are available, and consistent with the provisions of chapter ..., Laws of 1993 (this act) the secretary shall work with interested local communities to provide every eligible person with habilitative services suited to the person's needs, regardless of age or degree of developmental disability.

          (2) Consistent with the provisions of chapter ..., Laws of 1993 (this act) the secretary shall work with interested local communities to provide persons who receive services with the opportunity for integration with nonhandicapped and less handicapped persons to the greatest extent possible.

          (3) The secretary shall establish minimum standards for habilitative services.  Consumers, advocates, service providers, appropriate professionals, and local government agencies shall be involved in the development of the standards.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.12 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) The department is designated as the state developmental disabilities authority.

          (2) The secretary shall provide for public, consumer, and licensed service provider participation in developing the state developmental disabilities program as provided in this title.

          (3) The secretary shall be designated as the local support network if a local support network fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise responsibilities under chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act).

          (4) The secretary shall:

          (a) Assure that any local support network community developmental disabilities program prevent or reduce out-of-state, inappropriate out-of-home, inpatient, or institutional care by providing access to services under this chapter for the local support network's residents with developmental disabilities;

          (i) Such programs shall provide:

          (A) Early childhood intervention;

          (B) Employment and community access services;

          (C) Family support;

          (D) Individual and family resource coordination, which includes providing information to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families concerning the availability of services and assisting them in obtaining appropriate services;

          (E) Information and referral;

          (F) Residential services or appropriate residential support for those receiving residential services as of January 1, 1993;

          (ii) Such programs may provide:

          (A) Architectural services;

          (B) Family counseling;

          (C) Health services and equipment;

          (D) Legal services;

          (E) Residential services or appropriate residential support for those needing, but not yet receiving, such services as of January 1, 1993;

          (F) Therapy services and equipment; and

          (G) Transportation services;

          (b) Include services under this title in the standard contract or contracts which are in effect between the local support network and the state;

          (c) Develop standards for certification of providers and local support networks;

          (d) Certify local support networks that meet state minimum standards;

          (e) Periodically inspect certified local support networks at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner;

          (f) Adopt rules as are necessary to implement the department's responsibilities under this chapter pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW;

          (g) In collaboration with local support networks, establish specific criteria in contract that shall be used to evaluate local support network performance.  The criteria shall include reduction in the percentage of out-of-home care, reduction in the percentage of state and local inpatient hospital and other institutional care, reduction in the cost of persons served, and increased consumer employment and earnings;

          (h) Disburse the first funds for the local support networks that are ready to begin implementation within sixty days of approval of the biennial contract.  The department must either approve or reject the biennial contract within sixty days of receipt;

          (i) No later than two years after the creation of a local support network, allocate one hundred percent of available resources to local support networks created in a single grant distributed in accordance with chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act);

          (j) Notify local support networks of their allocation of available resources at least sixty days prior to the start of a new biennial contract period; and

          (k) Deny funding allocations to local support networks based solely upon formal findings of noncompliance with the terms of the local support network's contract with the department.  Written notice and at least thirty days for corrective action must precede any such action.  In such cases, local support networks shall have full rights to appeal under chapter 34.05 RCW.

          (5) Each certified local support network and service provider shall file with the secretary, on request, such data, statistics, schedules, and information as the secretary reasonably requires.  A certified local support network or service provider that, without good cause, fails to furnish any data, statistics, schedules, or information as requested, or files fraudulent reports thereof, may have its certification revoked or suspended.

          (6) The secretary may suspend, revoke, limit, or restrict a certification, or refuse to grant a certification for failure to conform to the law, applicable rules, or applicable standards, or failure to meet the minimum standards established pursuant to this section.

          (7) Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any other remedy, the secretary may, in the manner provided by law, upon the advice of the attorney general who shall represent the secretary in the proceedings, maintain an action in the name of the state for an injunction or other process against any person or governmental unit to restrain or prevent the establishment, conduct, or operation of a local support network or service provider without certification under this chapter.

          (8) The department, in consultation with affected parties, shall establish a distribution process that reflects local support network needs assessments based on the number of persons with developmental disabilities.

          (9) The department of social and health services, in cooperation with the state congressional delegation, shall actively seek waivers of federal requirements and such modifications of federal regulations as are necessary to allow federal medicaid reimbursement for services  under this title.  The department shall periodically report its efforts to the ways and means and health and human services committees of the senate and the appropriations and human services committees of the house of representatives.

          (10) The state developmental disabilities authority may not determine the roles and responsibilities of local support networks as to each other by rule, except to assure that all duties required of local support networks are assigned and that a single authority has final responsibility for all available resources and performance under the local support network's contract with the secretary.

 

        Sec. 9.  RCW 71A.12.030 and 1988 c 176 s 203 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) The secretary ((is authorized)) shall encourage the development of a system of local support networks to provide, or arrange with others to provide, all services and facilities that are necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this title, and to take all actions that are necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this title, except for those duties specifically reserved for the state according to this title.  The secretary shall adopt rules under the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, as are appropriate to carry out this title.

          (2) By December 1 of each year, the secretary shall approve local support networks requested by regional support networks.  Regional support networks seeking to be approved as a local support network by January 1 of any year shall submit their intentions by October 30 of the previous year along with preliminary plans.  The secretary shall assume all local support network duties not otherwise assigned under this title.

          The implementation of local support networks, or the secretary's assumption of all responsibilities under this title, shall be included in all state and federal plans affecting the state developmental disabilities program including at least those required by this chapter, the medicaid program, and any other federal program that provides funding for this program.  Nothing in these plans shall be inconsistent with the intent and requirements of this chapter.

 

        Sec. 10.  RCW 71A.12.060 and 1988 c 176 s 206 are each amended to read as follows:

          Except as may be specifically contracted with local support networks, the secretary is authorized to pay for all or a portion of the costs of care, support, and training of residents of a residential habilitation center who are placed in community residential programs under this section and RCW 71A.12.070 and 71A.12.080.

 

        Sec. 11.  RCW 71A.12.070 and 1988 c 176 s 207 are each amended to read as follows:

          All payments made by the secretary or by a local support network under RCW 71A.12.060 shall, insofar as reasonably possible, be supplementary to payments to be made for the  costs of care, support, and training in a community residential program by the estate of such resident of the residential habilitation center, or from any resource which such resident may have, or become entitled to, from any public, federal, or state agency.  ((Payments by the secretary under this title may, in the secretary's discretion, be paid directly to community residential programs, or to counties having created developmental disability boards under chapter 71A.14 RCW.))

 

        Sec. 12.  RCW 71A.12.080 and 1988 c 176 s 208 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) The secretary with advice from the local support networks shall adopt rules ((concerning)) affirming the eligibility of all residents of residential habilitation centers for placement in the least restrictive community residential ((programs)) setting or community supports under this title((;)).  The secretary shall make such placements to the most cost-effective available program consistent with this title.  Nothing in this title shall preclude the secretary from making supervised placements where it is necessary to assure public safety, to provide specialized diagnoses of developmental disabilities, or provide for specialized support including specialized respite care that cannot be provided cost-effectively through family support or other nonfacility based services.

          (2) The secretary shall adopt rules concerning the determination of the ability according to supplemental security income (SSI) criteria of ((such)) persons living in residential habilitation centers or community residential programs or their estates to pay all or a portion of the cost of care, support, and training; the manner and method of licensing or certification and inspection and approval of such community residential programs for placement under this title; and procedures for the payment of costs of care, maintenance, and training in community residential programs.  The rules shall include standards for care, maintenance, and training to be met by such community residential programs.

          (((2))) (3) The secretary shall coordinate state activities and resources relating to placement in community residential programs to help efficiently expend state and local resources and, to the extent designated funds are available, create an effective community residential program.

 

        Sec. 13.  RCW 71A.12.100 and 1988 c 176 s 210 are each amended to read as follows:

          Consistent with the general powers of the secretary and the intent of chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act) regarding the encouragement of local services network development and whether or not a particular person with a developmental disability is involved, the secretary may:

          (1) Provide information to the public on developmental disabilities and available services;

          (2) Engage in research concerning developmental disabilities and the habilitation of persons with developmental disabilities, and cooperate with others who do such research;

          (3) Provide consultant services to public and private agencies to promote and coordinate services to persons with developmental disabilities;

          (4) Provide training for persons in state or local governmental agencies, including local support networks, or with private entities who come in contact with persons with developmental disabilities or who have a role in the care or habilitation of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

        Sec. 14.  RCW 71A.12.120 and 1988 c 176 s 212 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) The governor may take whatever action is necessary to enable the state to participate in the manner set forth in this title in any programs provided by any federal law and to designate state agencies authorized to administer within this state the several federal acts providing federal moneys to assist in providing services and training at the state or local level for persons with developmental disabilities and for persons who work with persons with developmental disabilities.

          (2) Designated state agencies may apply for and accept and disburse federal grants, matching funds, or other funds or gifts or donations from any source available ((for use by the state or by local government)) to local support networks to provide more adequate services for and habilitation of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.14 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) The local support network shall:

          (a) Contract as needed with certified service providers to provide services and supports according to the provisions of chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act).  The local support network may, in the absence of a certified service provider entity, become a certified service provider entity pursuant to minimum standards required for certification by the department for the purpose of providing services not available from certified service providers;

          (b) Operate as a service provider if it deems that doing so is more efficient and cost-effective than contracting for services.  When doing so, the local support network shall comply with rules adopted by the secretary that shall provide measurements to determine when a local support network provided service is more efficient and cost-effective;

          (c) Monitor and perform biennial fiscal audits of certified service providers who have contracted with the local support network to provide services required by this chapter.  The monitoring and audits shall be performed by means of a formal process that insures that the certified service providers and professionals designated in this subsection meet the terms of their contracts, including the minimum standards of service delivery as established by the department;

          (d) Coordinate services for eligible persons who are in jeopardy of becoming patients at a state or local mental hospital or a residential habilitation center;

          (e) Within three months of recognition, submit an overall two‑year operating and capital plan, timeline, and budget and after two years submit an overall six-year operating and capital plan, timeline, and budget and submit progress reports and an updated two‑year plan biennially thereafter, within available resources to administer and provide for the availability of all services under chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act) as have been mutually agreed to by the secretary and the local support network;

          (f) Assume all duties that prior to chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act) were assigned to county authorities by this title;

          (g) Assume all duties specified in their plans and joint operating agreements through biennial contractual agreements with the secretary.  Such contracts may include agreements to provide periods of stable community living and work or other day activities for specific developmentally disabled persons who have resided at state or local mental hospitals or residential habilitation centers.

          (2) The local support network may:

          (a) Receive technical assistance from the housing trust fund and may identify and submit projects for housing and housing support services to the housing trust fund established under chapter 43.185 RCW.  Projects identified or submitted under this subsection must be fully integrated with the local support network six‑year operating and capital plan, timeline, and budget required by subsection (1) of this section.

          (b) Request that any state‑owned land, building, facility, or other capital asset that was ever purchased, deeded, given, or placed in trust for the care of the developmentally disabled and that is within the boundaries of a local support network be made available to support the operations of the local support network.  State agencies managing such capital assets shall give first priority to requests for their use pursuant to this chapter.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 16.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.14 RCW to read as follows:

          The local support networks shall make satisfactory showing to the secretary that state funds shall in no case be used to replace local funds from any source being used to finance developmental disabilities services prior to January 1, 1993.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 17.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.14 RCW to read as follows:

          In order to establish eligibility for funding under this chapter, any local support network or networks seeking to obtain federal funds for the support of any aspect of a community developmental disabilities program as defined in this chapter shall submit program plans to the secretary for prior review and approval before such plans are submitted to any federal agency.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 18.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.14 RCW to read as follows:

          The local support network may accept and expend gifts and grants received from private, county, and state sources, and any federal funds received through a state agency.  The local support networks shall recommend to the legislature incentives to encourage private gifts and contributions.

 

        Sec. 19.  RCW 71A.14.020 and 1988 c 176 s 302 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) The county governing authority of any county may appoint a developmental disability board to plan services for persons with developmental disabilities, to provide directly or indirectly a continuum of care and services to persons with developmental disabilities within the county or counties served by the community board.  The governing authorities of more than one county by joint action may appoint a single developmental disability board.  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a county or counties from combining the developmental disability board with another county board, such as a mental health board.

          (2) Members appointed to the board shall include but not be limited to representatives of public, private, or voluntary agencies, representatives of local governmental units, and citizens knowledgeable about developmental disabilities or interested in services to persons with developmental disabilities in the community.

          (3) The board shall consist of not less than nine nor more than fifteen members.

          (4) Members shall be appointed for terms of three years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

          (5) The members of the developmental disability board shall not be compensated for the performance of their duties as members of the board, but may be paid subsistence rates and mileage in the amounts prescribed by RCW 42.24.090.  If a county or group of counties participates in a local support network, this section does not apply.

          This section shall expire on July 1, 1997.

 

        Sec. 20.  RCW 71A.14.030 and 1988 c 176 s 303 are each amended to read as follows:

          Pursuant to RCW 71A.14.040 the secretary shall work with the county governing authorities and developmental disability boards who apply for state funds to coordinate and provide local services for persons with developmental disabilities and their families.  The secretary is authorized to ((promulgate)) adopt rules establishing the eligibility of each county and the developmental disability board for state funds to be used for the work of the board in coordinating and providing services to persons with developmental disabilities and their families.  An application for state funds shall be made by the board with the approval of the county governing ((authority)) authorities, or by the county governing authority on behalf of the board.  If a county or group of counties participates in a local support network, this section does not apply.

          This section shall expire on July 1, 1997.

 

        Sec. 21.  RCW 71A.14.040 and 1988 c 176 s 304 are each amended to read as follows:

          The secretary shall review the applications ((from the county governing authority)) made under RCW 71A.14.030.  The secretary may approve an application if it meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules ((promulgated)) adopted by the secretary.  The secretary shall ((promulgate)) adopt rules to assist in determining the amount of the grant.  In ((promulgating)) adopting the rules, the secretary shall consider the population of the area served, the needs of the area, and the ability of the community to provide funds for the developmental disability program provided in this title.  If a county or group of counties participates in a local support network, this section does not apply.

          This section shall expire on July 1, 1997.

 

        Sec. 22.  RCW 71A.14.050 and 1988 c 176 s 305 are each amended to read as follows:

          The department may require by rule that in order to be eligible for state funds, the county and the developmental disability board shall provide the following indirect services to the community:

          (1) Serve as an informational and referral agency within the community for persons with developmental disabilities and their families;

          (2) Coordinate all local services for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to insure the maximum utilization of all available services;

          (3) Prepare comprehensive plans for present and future development of services and for reasonable progress toward the coordination of all local services to persons with developmental disabilities.  If a county or group of counties participates in a local support network, this section does not apply.

          This section shall expire on July 1, 1997.

 

        Sec. 23.  RCW 71A.14.060 and 1988 c 176 s 306 are each amended to read as follows:

          The secretary by rule may authorize the county and the developmental disability board to provide any service for persons with developmental disabilities that the department is authorized to provide, except for operating residential habilitation centers under chapter 71A.20 RCW.  If a county or group of counties participates in a local support network, this section does not apply.

          This section shall expire on July 1, 1997.

 

        Sec. 24.  RCW 71A.14.070 and 1988 c 176 s 307 are each amended to read as follows:

          In order for the developmental disability board or local support network to plan, coordinate, and provide required services for persons with developmental disabilities, the county governing authority and the board or local support network shall be eligible to obtain such confidential information from public or private schools and the department as is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.  Such information shall be kept in accordance with state law and rules ((promulgated)) adopted by the secretary under chapter 34.05 RCW to permit the use of the information to coordinate and plan services.  All persons permitted to have access to or to use such information shall sign an oath of confidentiality, substantially as follows:

 

          "As a condition of obtaining information from (fill in facility, agency, or person) I, . . . . . ., agree not to divulge, publish, or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons or the public any information obtained in the course of using such confidential information, where release of such information may possibly make the person who received such services identifiable.  I recognize that unauthorized release of confidential information may subject me to civil liability under state law."

 

        Sec. 25.  RCW 71A.14.080 and 1988 c 176 s 308 are each amended to read as follows:

          The county governing authority and the developmental disability board or local support network created under ((RCW 71A.14.020)) chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act) are authorized to receive and spend funds received from the state under this chapter, or any federal funds received through any state agency, or any gifts or donations received ((by it)) for the benefit of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

        Sec. 26.  RCW 71A.14.090 and 1988 c 176 s 309 are each amended to read as follows:

          ((RCW 71A.12.120 authorizes)) Local governments and local support networks are authorized to participate in federal programs for persons with developmental disabilities.

 

        Sec. 27.  RCW 71A.14.110 and 1988 c 176 s 311 are each amended to read as follows:

          Any county or city within a county either of which is situated on the state boundaries or any local support network that is situated on the state boundaries is authorized to contract for developmental disability services with a county situated in either the states of Oregon or Idaho, which county is located on boundaries with the state of Washington.

 

        Sec. 28.  RCW 71A.16.020 and 1988 c 176 s 402 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) A person is eligible for services under this title if the ((secretary)) local support network finds that the person has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020(2).

          (2) The secretary may adopt rules further defining and implementing the criteria in the definition of "developmental disability" under RCW 71A.10.020(2).

 

        Sec. 29.  RCW 71A.16.040 and 1989 c 175 s 141 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) On receipt of an application for services submitted under RCW 71A.16.030, the ((secretary)) local support network in a timely manner shall make a written determination as to whether the applicant is eligible for services provided under this title for persons with developmental disabilities.

          (2) The ((secretary)) local support network shall give notice of the ((secretary's)) local support network's determination on eligibility to the person who submitted the application and to the applicant, if the applicant is a person other than the person who submitted the application for services.  The notice shall also include a statement advising the recipient of the right to an adjudicative proceeding under RCW 71A.10.050 and the right to judicial review of the ((secretary's)) local support network's final decision.

          (3) Having determined eligibility, the local support network shall establish the level of financial responsibility, if any, according to chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act) and notify the applicant and the applicant's family, if the applicant is under the age of eighteen, of this determination.

          (4) The secretary may establish rules for redetermination of eligibility for services under this title.

 

        Sec. 30.  RCW 71A.16.050 and 1988 c 176 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:

          The determination made under this chapter is only as to whether a person is eligible for services.  After the ((secretary)) local support network has determined under this chapter that a person is eligible for services, the ((secretary)) local support network shall make ((a determination as to what services are appropriate for the person)) an assessment of the person's support needs in consultation with the family, if appropriate, which may vary with support capabilities.  In no case may the local support network restrict access to early childhood development services it determines are needed.  However, in order to operate within appropriated funding levels, the local support network may restrict access to certain other specialized or intensive services in order to maximize basic support services for a larger number of individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 31.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.16 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) For eligible persons under the age of eighteen:

          (a) Early childhood development services shall be provided free of charge without regard to family income;

          (b) Family support services shall be provided free of charge for families whose gross income is less than one hundred eighty-five percent of the federal poverty level adjusted for family size; and

          (c) Family support services shall be provided on a sliding fee scale to be established by the secretary in rule for families whose gross income is between one hundred eighty-five percent of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size, and one hundred fifty percent of the state median income adjusted for family size.  A family's total payments and out-of-pocket medical expenses for the eligible individual may not exceed five percent of the gross family income.

          (2) For eligible persons age eighteen and over:

          (a) Developmental disability services shall be provided free of charge if the gross income of the eligible person, his or her spouse, and children is less than one hundred eighty-five percent of the federal poverty level adjusted for family size;

          (b) Developmental disability services shall be provided on a sliding fee scale to be established by the secretary in rule for individuals whose gross family income is between one hundred eighty-five percent of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size, and one hundred fifty percent of the state median income adjusted for family size.  A family's total payments and out-of-pocket medical expenses for the eligible individual may not exceed five percent of the gross family income; and

          (c) There shall be no financial responsibility on the part of parents or any relatives other than a spouse or minor children of the individual with developmental disabilities.

 

        Sec. 32.  RCW 71A.18.010 and 1988 c 176 s 501 are each amended to read as follows:

          The ((secretary may)) local support network shall produce and maintain in collaboration with the individual and his or her family an individual service plan for each eligible person which may vary with support capabilities.  In no case may the local support network restrict access to early childhood development services it determines are needed.  However, in order to operate within appropriated funding levels, the local support network may restrict access to certain other specialized or intensive services in order to maximize basic support services to a larger number of individuals with developmental disabilities.  An individual service plan is a plan that identifies the needs of a person and his or her family for services and determines what services will be in the best interests of the person ((and)), will meet the person's needs, and support the person in the least restrictive setting.

 

        Sec. 33.  RCW 71A.18.020 and 1988 c 176 s 601 are each amended to read as follows:

          ((The secretary may)) Local support networks shall provide ((a service to a person eligible under this title if funds are available.  If there is an individual service plan, the secretary shall consider the need for services as provided in that plan)) early childhood development services as required in chapter . . ., Laws of 1993 (this act) to all eligible children under age seven as determined in the individual service plan required under RCW 71A.18.010.  Within available funds local support networks shall provide family support services as identified in individual service plans.  The local support network may provide limits on family support services in order to assure an equitable distribution of funds.

 

        Sec. 34.  RCW 71A.18.040 and 1989 c 175 s 142 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) A person who is receiving a service under this title or the person's legal representative may request the ((secretary)) local support network to authorize a service that is available under this title in place of a service that the person is presently receiving.

          (2) The ((secretary)) local support network upon receiving a request for change of service shall consult in the same manner as that provided for the secretary in RCW 71A.10.070 and within ninety days shall determine whether the following criteria are met:

          (a) The alternative plan proposes a less dependent program than the person is participating in under current service;

          (b) The alternative service is appropriate under the goals and objectives of the person's individual service plan;

          (c) The alternative service is not in violation of applicable state and federal law; and

          (d) The service can reasonably be made available.

          (3) If the requested alternative service meets all of the criteria of subsection (2) of this section, the service shall be authorized as soon as reasonable, but not later than one hundred twenty days after completion of the determination process, unless the ((secretary)) local support network determines that:

          (a) The alternative plan is more costly than the current plan;

          (b) Current appropriations are not sufficient to implement the alternative service without reducing services to existing clients; or

          (c) Providing alternative service would take precedence over other priorities for delivery of service.

          (4) The ((secretary)) local support network shall give notice ((as provided)) in the same manner as that provided to the secretary in RCW 71A.10.060 of the grant of a request for a change of service.  The ((secretary)) local support network shall give notice ((as provided)) in the same manner as that provided to the secretary in RCW 71A.10.060 of denial of a request for change of service and of the right to an adjudicative proceeding.

          (5) When the secretary has changed service from a residential habilitation center to a setting other than a residential habilitation center, the secretary shall reauthorize service at the residential habilitation center if the ((secretary)) local support network in reevaluating the needs of the person finds that the person needs service in a residential habilitation center.

          (6) If the ((secretary)) local support network determines that current appropriations are sufficient to deliver additional services without reducing services to persons who are presently receiving services, the ((secretary)) local support network is authorized to give persons notice in the same manner as that provided under RCW 71A.10.060 that they may request the services as new services or as changes of services under this section.

 

        Sec. 35.  RCW 71A.18.050 and 1988 c 176 s 604 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) When considering the discontinuance of a service that is being provided to a person, the ((secretary)) local support network shall consult ((as)) in the same manner as that required in RCW 71A.10.070.

          (2) The discontinuance of a service under this section does not affect the person's eligibility for services.  Other services may be provided or the same service may be restored when it is again available or when it is again needed.

          (3) Except when the service is discontinued at the request of the person receiving the service or that person's legal representative, the ((secretary)) local support network shall give notice ((as)) in the same manner as that required in RCW 71A.10.060.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 36.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.20 RCW to read as follows:

          There is established on the grounds of the Rainier School, located at Buckley, Washington, a secure, specialized, separately located program for not more than forty-eight individuals with developmental disabilities who have been committed under chapter 71.05 RCW.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 37.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.20 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) It is the intent of the legislature 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, including specialized respite care, that cannot be provided cost-effectively through family support or other community-based services.

          (2) The secretary and the local support networks shall develop a plan by July 1, 1994, that will establish the July 1, 2001, size of each residential habilitation center.  The plan shall include:

          (a) Specific criteria for admission to and continued residence in the residential habilitation centers consistent with the purposes stated in this section;

          (b) An estimate of the number of people meeting the public safety or specialized care criteria who are expected to require admission to or continued residence in state-operated care;

          (c) A review of the service needs of each resident of the developmental disabilities state institutions and identify the level of services appropriate to maintain the person in the most normal and least restrictive setting that is consistent with the person's needs.

          (d) A plan for assuring safe and high quality community care for current residential habilitation center residents who do not meet residential habilitation center placement criteria;

          (e) Proposed uses for excess institutional grounds and buildings by other governmental or private entities in ways that the proceeds will benefit the developmentally disabled; and

          (f) Strategies to retrain and/or provide new jobs in developmental disability community care or in other public service for  any staff not needed in residential habilitation centers.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 38.  The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

          (1) RCW 71A.10.010 and 1988 c 176 s 1;

          (2) RCW 71A.10.800 and 1988 c 176 s 1008;

          (3) RCW 71A.10.901 and 1988 c 176 s 1004;

          (4) RCW 71A.10.902 and 1988 c 176 s 1001;

          (5) RCW 71A.12.040 and 1988 c 176 s 204;

          (6) RCW 71A.12.050 and 1988 c 176 s 205; and

          (7) RCW 71A.14.010 and 1988 c 176 s 301.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 39.  The code reviser shall rename the chapter heading of chapter 71A.12 RCW to read "State Responsibilities."

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 40.  If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

 


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