Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1447


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing for temporary management in boarding homes.

Sponsors: Representative Morrell.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services to appoint a temporary manager of a boarding home when the Department suspends a boarding home license due to situations where the health, safety, or welfare of residents is at immediate risk.

Hearing Date: 2/7/07

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

When the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) summarily suspends the license of a Nursing Home or an Adult Family Home, a temporary management program may be instituted to minimize the dislocation and transfer trauma of residents while the Department and licensee pursue dispute resolution or appeal of a summary suspension of license. This option is not available when the Department summarily suspends a Board Home license.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized to appoint a temporary manager of a boarding home when the Department suspends a boarding home license due to situations where the health, safety, or welfare of residents is at immediate risk. The Department is authorized to recruit, approve, and appoint qualified individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other entities interested in serving as a temporary manager of a boarding home. The Department's authority to approve and appoint temporary managers of a boarding home is discretionary and is not subject to the Administrative Procedures Act. The Department will terminate the temporary management of the boarding home after 60 days unless good cause is shown to continue the temporary management. The Department's decision to approve or revoke a temporary management arrangement is not subject to the Administrative Procedures Act. A boarding home temporary management account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All civil fines related to boarding homes will be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account will be used to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents in boarding homes found to be deficient.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 2007.

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