Brief Description: Requiring the department of social and health services to inspect adult family homes at least every twenty-four months.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette and Brandland).

Hearing Date: 2/19/04

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Adult family homes provide room, board, and care to elderly and disabled individuals statewide. Currently, there are 2,083 licensed adult family homes providing care to 11,000 individuals, 3,274 of whom are Medicaid clients. These homes are licensed to care for up to six unrelated individuals, and they are regulated by the Department of Social and Health Services (Department). State law currently requires that the department conduct inspections at least every 18 months, subject to funding.

Summary of Bill:

The Department is authorized to conduct inspections of adult family homes every 24 months in homes that have had three consecutive inspections without any citations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.