SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5547
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, April 1, 2009
Title: An act relating to respite care for primary care providers of persons with developmental disabilities.
Brief Description: Concerning respite care.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Pflug, McAuliffe, Oemig, Marr, Fairley, Kauffman, Franklin, Parlette, Carrell, Haugen, Kilmer, Jarrett, Pridemore, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Regala and Keiser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/05/09, 2/09/09 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/06/09, 43-0.Passed House: 4/01/09, 97-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Fairley, Marr, Murray and Parlette.
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)
Background: The state's Division of Developmental Disabilities provides funding to certain eligible families for support services, enabling them to remain long-term caregivers for developmentally disabled family members. These services include respite care, therapies, adaptive equipment, counseling, and training. In January 2007 the Department of Social and Health Services released a report on family support recommending consolidation of services, a new assessment tool, and a different prioritizing system. Legislation enacted in 2008 created the Individual and Family Service Program which implements some of these recommendations.
Summary of Bill: Clarification is made that respite services provided under the Individual and Family Service Program is available to any family member who resides with and is the primary care provider to the person with developmental disabilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.
House Amendment(s): Clarifies that the Department of Social and Health Services must provide respite care services based on its assessment for (1) a parent who provides personal care in the home for that parent's adult son or daughter; or (2) a family member who replaces the parent as the caregiver, and who lives with and provides personal care services for the adult with developmental disabilities.