HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6009

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 Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to the protection of residents of long-term care facilities.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Kastama and Fairley).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 3/24/09, 3/26/09 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

Requires long-term care facilities to fully disclose to residents, orally and in writing prior to admission, the facility's policy on accepting Medicaid as a payment source.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Background:

The Medicaid program pays for the long-term care services of eligible individuals in boarding home and adult family homes. Facility policies related to accepting Medicaid as a funding source can vary between categories of facilities and even between facilities in the same category.

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Summary of Amended Bill:

Long-term care facilities must fully disclose to residents, orally and in writing prior to admission, the facility's policy on accepting Medicaid as a payment source. This must be done in a language that the resident or the resident's representative understands. The policy must clearly state the circumstances under which the facility provides care to Medicaid eligible residents, and for residents who may later become eligible for Medicaid.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The disclosure requirements do not apply to nursing homes.

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Appropriation: None.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a consumer protection issue to ensure that people who enter a long-term care facility know what the policy is related to accepting Medicaid as a payment source. This disclosure requirement is not needed for nursing homes as they already comply with federal standards related to disclosure, non-discrimination, and acceptance of Medicaid as a funding source.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Keiser, prime sponsor; Louise Ryan and Jeff Crollard, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.