FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2599

C 122 L 20

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning services for children with multiple handicaps.

Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Kilduff, Doglio and Leavitt; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

House Committee on Human Services & Early Learning

Senate Committee on Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation

Background:

Services for Children with Multiple Handicaps.

In 1980 the Legislature established in law a program to develop and review an alternative service delivery system for certain handicapped children with multiple handicaps who have continuing intensive medical needs but who are not required to continue in a hospital setting. To be eligible for this program, an individual must be:

• under age 22;

• under the care of a physician that diagnoses the child's condition as sufficiently serious;

• residing in, or in immediate jeopardy of residing in, a hospital or other residential medical facility; and

• within certain functional and medical categories.

The Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) was established to develop a plan for each child served under the "services for children with multiple handicaps" program that would include:

• nursing care;

• physician care;

• respiratory therapy;

• dental care;

• nutritional consultation;

• communication disorder therapy;

• physical and occupational therapy;

• special and regular education;

• recreation therapy;

• psychological counseling; and

• transportation.

This program has remained in law since 1980 but has not been implemented.

Medically Intensive Children's Program.

The Medically Intensive Children's Program (MICP) provides skilled nursing services to children under age 18 if the child:

• has complex medical needs;

• is enrolled in Washington Apple Health under the "medically needy" scope of care; and

• requires at least four hours of continuous skilled nursing care per day.

The MICP is administered by the DDA in partnership with the Health Care Authority (HCA). The DDA determines clinical and financial eligibility, assesses the child to determine medically necessary services, and arranges the services. The HCA arranges medically necessary skilled private duty nursing services through the DDA, helps families in obtaining private duty nursing services, and is responsible for ensuring that children enrolled in Apple Health receive the nursing services they need.

Summary:

Provisions relating to the "services for children with multiple handicaps" program are repealed.

Votes on Final Passage: