FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1132

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Tharinger, Harris, Wylie, Van De Wege, Johnson, Lytton, Fey, Riccelli, Jinkins, Buys, Cody, Appleton, Ortiz-Self, Hayes, Gregerson and Short).

Background:

Adult family homes are community-based facilities licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care. These homes provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, and nursing services.

Adult family homes are licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (Department). Adult family homes must meet facility standards as well as requirements for training resident managers and caregivers. Staff of adult family homes who are employed as long-term care workers must meet specific training requirements and, in some instances, become certified as home care aides.

Fees for adult family homes are established in the operating budget. The annual renewal fee is currently $225 per bed and the processing fee for initial licensure is $2,750. The Department, by rule, also applies the processing fee to applications involving a change of ownership or change of location.

Summary:

The change of ownership fee for adult family homes that is established in rule is codified in statute. The fee amount is to be determined in the operating budget.

The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) may allow a one-time waiver of all or part of licensing, processing, and change-of-ownership fees for an adult family home if payment of the fee would present a hardship to the applicant. The Department may also extend the timeframe for an applicant to complete administration and business planning class requirements. The extension may be for up to four months. The Department may issue the license prior to the completion of the class if the applicant has enrolled in or completed the class. The waiver and the extension apply in situations in which an adult family home is being relicensed because of exceptional circumstances, such as the death or incapacity of a provider.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	98	0
Senate	49	0