FINAL BILL REPORT

2SHB 1565

                                  C 163 L 88

BYHouse Committee on Ways & Means Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Brekke, Winsley, H. Sommers, Silver, Moyer, Braddock, Sutherland, Hine, May, D. Sommers and Butterfield;by request of Department of Social and Health Services)

Revising provisions on alcoholism and drug addiction treatment.

House Committe on Human Services

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, the Washington Legislature enacted the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act.  The purpose of the act was to remove persons disabled because of alcoholism and/or drug addiction from the General Assistance Unemployable (GA-U) program and to establish a new program providing treatment and shelter that would more appropriately meet these client's special needs. In addition, it was anticipated that this populations's rapidly increasing caseload would be reduced if cash allowances were not given directly to clients.

The new program was implemented in July 1987.  In October and November 1987, the Department of Social and Health Services was enjoined from using dormitory-type settings as shelter for clients not participating in the treatment portion of the program. The department must allow these clients to choose their own shelter.  The court's injunction also prohibits the department from requiring inpatient treatment as a precursor to outpatient treatment in all cases.

SUMMARY:

Shelter as an essential service is deleted as a goal of the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA).  The act clarifies that, to the extent possible, existing emergency shelter beds may not be displaced by activities under ADATSA and that empty ADATSA-contracted beds may be made available temporarily to homeless individuals.  The ADATSA eligibility standards are amended to exclude the General Assistance Unemployable (GA-U) medical criteria and medical improvement standard and to allow ADATSA treatment for other federally eligible recipients of GA-U.

The living allowance for clients in outpatient treatment may not be used for shelter in dormitory settings that does not require sobriety as a condition of residence.  Clients whose treatment is pending may be provided shelter and may choose to receive shelter services through a protective payee.  The department must adopt rules determining the amount of cash that may be issued by the protective payee.  For one year, clients who fail to appear for treatment are ineligible for these waiting period benefits.  Patients in the treatment portion of the program may be required to complete inpatient and recovery house treatment prior to receiving outpatient treatment.

Shelter is defined as a facility under contract to the department that provides room and board in a supervised living arrangement, normally in a group or dormitory setting, including facilities operated by public or private agencies.  Shelters may not allow the consumption of alcohol on the premises.  Where group or dormitory settings are unavailable or unfeasible to develop, shelter may be provided through protective payees.

General Assistance-Unemployable recipients who have been continuously eligible for GA-U since July 25, 1987, and who transfer to the ADATSA program may remain in their present living arrangement but only through a protective payee option.

A pilot project is established to test the effectiveness of the protective payee option in preventing the diversion of cash assistance for the purchase of drugs or alcohol.  A report on the pilot project results must be made by December 1, 1989.  The pilot project is terminated July 1, 1990, unless extended by law.

By January 5, 1989, the department is required to report on the ADATSA program including the number of people receiving assessment, treatment, and shelter services; the number of contracted shelter beds; and the movement of clients from the General Assistance-Unemployable program to ADATSA.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    47     0 (Senate amended)

      Senate    44     0 (Senate receded)

      House 94   0

EFFECTIVE:March 21, 1988