SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6482

As Passed Senate, February 11, 2002

Title:  An act relating to removing time limits for treatment under the alcohol and drug addiction treatment and support act.

Brief Description:  Removing time limits for treatment under the alcohol and drug addiction treatment and support act.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Winsley, Haugen, Stevens, Deccio and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/25/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/11/02, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Fara Daun (786‑7459)

Background:  The Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Support Act authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services to provide, within available funds, alcohol and drug treatment including employment assistance and a living allowance while undergoing outpatient treatment to certain clients who are not eligible for other services.  The act contains a service limit of six months in any two-year period.  The department may make exceptions to the six-month limit and allow additional treatment and additional living allowance within available funds.

Summary of Bill:  The six-month limitation on services is removed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 21, 2002.

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

Testimony For:  This will result in efficiencies and savings to the providers by removing two to three hours per client of administrative tracking and documentation.  It also permits treatment decisions to be made based on clinical needs.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Cammy Hart‑Anderson, Snohomish County Human Services‑Alcohol and Drugs (pro); Ken Stark, Director, DASA, DSHA (pro).