SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5672

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 Summary of First Substitute Bill

Requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to work with stakeholders to design and implement services for individuals living in adult family homes exclusively serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Requires DSHS to work with stakeholders to design and implement services for individuals living in adult family homes exclusively serving individuals with dementia.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5672 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Randall, Vice Chair; Conway, Dhingra, Frockt, Keiser, Rivers and Van De Wege.

Background: Individuals with developmental disabilities and older adults having long-term care needs may receive services from DSHS. DSHS administers the state's Medicaid long-term care program. To qualify for the program, an individual must meet certain functional and financial criteria. An individual may receive long-term care in their own home, an assisted living facility, an adult day center, an adult family homes, or a skilled nursing facility.

An adult family home is a residential home that provides personal care, specialty care, necessary supervision, laundry, and room and board for up to six adults who need long-term care. Staff of adult family homes serving individuals with dementia, developmental disabilities, or mental health needs are required to take a specialty training course for each of these conditions. Each course is six to twenty hours. Once all of the adult family home's staff have completed the specialty training course, the adult family home receives a specialty designation.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): By June 1, 2020, the Developmental Disabilities Administration within DSHS must work with stakeholders to design and implement services for individuals living in adult family homes that exclusively serve individuals who have a primary need of care related to developmental disabilities.

By June 1, 2020, the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration within DSHS must work with stakeholders to design and implement services for individuals living in adult family homes that are dedicated solely to the care of individuals with dementia.

The services must be:

designed to meet the specific provisions related to assessment, environment, regulations, provision of care, and training requirements; and
designed to support an intentional environment to improve resident quality of life, increase resident length of stay, clarify regulations, streamline training requirements, reduce the need for institutional settings, and attract more adult family home providers to develop these resources.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (Health & Long Term Care): The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The Medicaid rates are too low for adult family homes to take individuals with developmental disabilities and dementia. As a result, these individuals end up being unable to discharge from the hospitals. Adult family homes are cost-effective and are a critical care component for individuals with disabilities and individuals with dementia. Assisted living has a specialty contract for individuals with dementia, and other states have implemented similar contracts.

OTHER: The implementation dates may need to be more flexible and the language should be modified to meet CMS requirements.

Persons Testifying (Health & Long Term Care): PRO: Len McComb, Washington State Hospital Association; Sue Elliott, The Arc of Washington State; John Ficker, Adult Family Home Council; Catalina Angel, Community Homes Inc; Alyssa Midgley, Community Homes Inc; Laura Vaillancourt, LMHC, GMHS. OTHER: Bill Moss, DSHS/ALTSA; Deborah Roberts, DSHS/DDA.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute (Ways & Means): PRO: This bill will better align services and provide better outcomes for DD clients and clients with dementia in adult family homes. This program has been successful in other states. It will reduce expensive institutionalization costs.