Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1362

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 Description: Concerning electronic timekeeping for in-home personal care or respite services.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Morrell and Schmick; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services to establish exemptions to electronic timekeeping requirements for home care agencies to address situations in which a landline phone is not available.

Hearing Date: 2/12/13

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Home care agencies provide home care services to individuals in their places of residence. Home care services are nonmedical services and assistance provided to ill, disabled, or vulnerable individuals to allow them to remain in their residences. These services include personal care for the individual, homemaker assistance with household tasks, respite care assistance and support for the family, and other nonmedical services or delegated nursing tasks.

Since July 1, 2010, the Department of Social and Health Services has been prohibited from paying home care agencies for in-home personal care or respite services if the home care agency does not verify the agency employee hours by electronic timekeeping.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services may establish exemptions to electronic timekeeping requirements for home care agencies to address situations in which a landline phone is not available.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.