SSB 6804

SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6804

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.

As Amended by House, March 6, 2008

Title: An act relating to capital grants for integrated long-term care worker training labs in the community and technical college system.

Brief Description: Providing grants to community colleges for long-term care worker training.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Carrell, Hobbs, Shin, Roach, Kohl-Welles, Marr, McAuliffe, Rasmussen and Benton).

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6804 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Hatfield, Hewitt, Hobbs, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) contracts with agency and individual home care workers (individual providers) to provide in-home long-term care services for elderly and disabled clients who are eligible for publicly funded services through the DSHS's Aging and Adult Services and Developmental Disabilities programs. Home care workers provide consumers with personal care assistance with various tasks. Individual providers have collective bargaining rights under the Public Employees' Collective Bargaining Act.

The Secretary of DSHS, with the aid of a steering committee, develops training material and curricula for individual providers. Nine Washington counties have populations of over 200,000 and there are 21 community and technical colleges within those counties that currently offer programs in health professions.

Summary of Substitute Bill: To the extent funds are provided, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, in consultation with the bargaining representative of the individual providers, must allocate competitive grants to up to four community college pilot sites for the delivery of training and workforce development for long-term care workers. To be eligible, community colleges must be located in a county with a population of 200,000 or more, with priority given to colleges with existing allied health care programs and demonstrated commitments to the pilots by community partners. Funds can be used to renovate or expand current facilities, acquire land and facilities, or accommodate programs that provide long-term care settings.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Higher Education): PRO: This will help these workers overcome some of their educational challenges. Community colleges are working with caregivers to provide the training and education these workers require. The 85-year old and older population is increasing quickly, so the demand for trained workers in this area must be addressed. The highest increase in need will be in the home-care setting. This is a modest investment for a recognized need.

Persons Testifying (Higher Education): PRO: Senator Kilmer, prime sponsor; Elizabeth Patterson, Edmonds Community College; Livia Lam, SEIU Healthcare 775 NW; Tom Henderson, SBCTC.

House Amendment(s): The pilot program expires on July 1, 2015. Adds a reporting requirement. Adds a null and void clause.