FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5184

C 233 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Reporting investigations of vulnerable adult abuse.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Thibaudeau, Winsley, Costa and Kohl‑Welles; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).

Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  Adult Protective Services (APS) under the Department of Social and Health Services has the authority to investigate complaints of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation or neglect of vulnerable adults and to provide protective services and legal remedies to protect these individuals.  APS investigations seek to determine if the allegation is valid, and if the vulnerable adult is at risk of harm. It has been the practice to date to inform certain agencies and programs of the substantiated findings of these investigations. There is, however, no specific law that specifies that agencies or programs who may be employing or contracting with the person under investigation be notified.

Summary:  The department has specific authority to disclose the outcome of investigations conducted on people who are employed, contracted, or volunteering for home health agencies, hospice or home care agencies licensed with the state, and programs under contract with the division of developmental disabilities, adult day care or day health programs, and regional support networks.  The information may not include the identity of the individual who made the complaint or any witness without their permission. The department is also given explicit authority to disclose the investigation findings to state or local authorities responsible for licensing the entities named in the bill.  The alleged perpetrator is notified when the outcome report is released.  The victim=s name is withheld.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate470

House     92 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001