SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5620

BYSenator Gaspard

Redefining developmental disabilities.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 27, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5620 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Don Sloma (786-7414)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The current statutory definition of developmental disability (DD) does not explicitly include persons with muscular dystrophy.  Persons with muscular dystrophy are eligible for DD services only to the extent that they score below certain thresholds on intelligence tests.

SUMMARY:

Muscular dystrophy is added to the definition of developmental disability.  By January 1, 1990, the Department of Social and Health Services must suggest a redefinition of developmental disability which includes all existing eligible persons and which is based on a person's functional limitations, not on their diagnosis.  The department must consider including persons who suffer from muscular dystrophy and traumatic brain injury in this redefinition.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The department must consult with the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council in proposing a redefinition of DD as required under the act.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. Joseph A. Moisan, Pesident, WSHIF, Co-Chair, CHIBIS and parent (pro); James M. Anderson, parent (pro); Nancy Haugee, Persons Affected by Muscular Dystrophy (pro); Jan Blackburn, DDD, DSHS; Tom Ashton, Evergreen Legal Services (pro); Sandra DeCoy, Persons Affected by Muscular Dystrophy (pro)