HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1383

BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Leonard and Lux)

Changing provisions relating to alcoholism treatment programs.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Brekke, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Anderson, Leonard, Moyer, Padden, H. Sommers, Sutherland and Winsley.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 16, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Social and Health Services certifies drug treatment centers and alcohol treatment facilities for rehabilitating persons suffering problems related to alcohol and drug abuse. The Department verifies documentation submitted by the treatment center relating to the qualifications of the staff who provide treatment, but the Department has no authority to evaluate the competency of alcohol or drug counselors individually as part of its responsibility for assuring the adequacy of care, treatment and rehabilitation.

SUMMARY:

The Secretary of the Department is given authority to enter into agreements for monitoring of verifications of qualifications of drug and alcohol counselors. In effect, the department will recognize certification of counselors as evidence of their competency.

EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):   A definition is provided for an alcoholic person for the purpose of protective custody or involuntary treatment.  The involuntary commitment periods for alcoholics incapacitated by alcohol is changed from a maximum of 30 days with two subsequent 90 day maximum recommitment periods, to a 60 day maximum period with one subsequent 90 day maximum recommitment period.  Less restrictive out patient treatment for committed persons is provided for.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Thelma Struck, Department of Social and Health Services; and Linda Grant, Director, Alcohol and Addiction Programs.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Bill Bean, Private Citizen.

House Committee - Testimony For:    An attorney-general opinion found the Department of Social and Health Services had no authority to recognize certification of drug and alcohol counselors by their peer professional organizations as evidence of competency.  This authority is necessary in order to approve treatment centers.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      The department should not be given authority to certify alcohol or drug counselors who have their own standards.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 94; Absent 1; Excused 3

Absent:     Representative Unsoeld

Excused:    Representatives Sayan, Schoon, Smith C