SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1194

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long‑Term Care, April 1, 1999

 

Title:  An act relating to a pilot project for third‑party accreditation of boarding homes.

 

Brief Description:  Extending the due date for a report to the legislature concerning accreditation of licensed boarding homes.

 

Sponsors:  Representatives Pflug, Schual‑Berke, Parlette and Cody.

 

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/22/99, 4/1/99 [DPA].

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

 

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Franklin, Johnson and Winsley.

 

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

 

Background:  There are 464 boarding homes in the state.  These are housing and care facilities for about 16,000 residents, most of whom are elderly. Boarding homes offer assistance with daily needs of residents, including personal care and some limited nursing services.

 

These facilities are licensed and inspected by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  The department conducts a comprehensive licensing inspection annually.  Com­plaints and investigations of abuse and other violations are also conducted by the department and the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

 

In 1998, legislation was passed which authorized the creation of a coalition of assisted living providers to develop a plan for implementing a pilot program for third party accreditation of licensed boarding homes.

 

Their plan was to be submitted to the Legislature by January 4, 1999.

 

Summary of Amended Bill:  The submission date for the third party accreditation plan for boarding homes is extended two years, to December 12, 2001.  Funding for the plan may come from other individuals and organizations besides the Northwest Assisted Living Facilities Association.

 

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The striking amendment eliminated language referring to boarding home rules not being changed prior to completing the pilot project.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

 

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

 

Testimony For:  This project will permit a thorough review of boarding homes.  Make sure we can update boarding home regulation while this project is being developed.

 

Testimony Against:  None.

 

Testified:  Ken Burgess, NORALFA) (pro); Nick Federici, WASHA (pro); Mary Corsu, State Fire Marshal (concerns).