SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 2707
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long‑Term Care, February 28, 2002
Title: An act relating to long‑term caregiver training.
Brief Description: Concerning long‑term caregiver training.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Edwards, Skinner, Cody and Schual‑Berke).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long‑Term Care: 2/25/02, 2/28/02 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)
Background: In 2000 the Legislature mandated new training standards for caregivers in all long-term care settings. The mandated training includes basic and specialty training. A steering committee for community long-term care training and education was established to advise the Department of Social and Health Services on rules related to training materials, competency testing, training effectiveness, and other training matters. The statutory training standards take effect March 1, 2002.
Summary of Amended Bill: The statutory training standards implementation date is moved from March 1, 2002 to September 1, 2002. Boarding home and adult family home operators may attest that their in-house training complies with the Department of Social and Health Services standards.
The department may review facility curriculum to verify it meets department standards. The department must rescind approval of any curriculum if it determines requirements are not met.
The steering committee is responsible for advising the department on matters related to training long-term care workers and trainers. The committee expires July 1, 2003.
Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill: The steering committee is responsible for advising the department on matters related to training long-term care workers and trainers. The committee expires July 1, 2003.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Testimony For: More time is needed to develop rules. This extension will make the rulemaking process more feasible.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Penny Black, DSHS, AASA (pro); Martha Schroeder, WAHSA, Horizon House (pro); Nancy Baker, WAHSA, Crista (pro w/concerns); Harry Steinmetz, WAHSA, (pro w/concerns); Cindy Johnson, WAHSA, The Hearthstone (pro w/concerns); Brendan Williams, WHCA (pro w/concerns); Lauri St. Ours, Nor. ALFA (pro w/concerns); Beth Johnston, Alpine Terrace (pro w/concerns); Gene Forrester, WA Senior Citizens' Lobby (pro); Kary Hyre, LTC Ombudsman (pro w/concerns).