SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6362
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. |
As of January 30, 2020
Title: An act relating to services for children with multiple handicaps.
Brief Description: Concerning services for children with multiple handicaps.
Sponsors: Senators Randall and Wilson, C.; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation: 1/28/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, REENTRY & REHABILITATION |
Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7488)
Background: In 1980, the Services for Children with Multiple Handicaps Program was created with the goal of better serving children living with multiple disabilities, including acute medical needs.
The Medically Intensive Children’s Program (MICP) provides skilled nursing services to children ages 17 and younger. These children have complex medical needs requiring a registered nurse to provide support. Nursing services may be provided in the family home, foster home, contracted medically intensive children’s group, and staffed residential homes.
Eligibility requirements for MICP include the child:
be age 17 or younger;
have complex medical needs, such as ventilator dependency or tracheostomy care;
be enrolled in Washington Apple Health under the categorically needy scope of care; and
require at least four hours of continuous skilled nursing care per day.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): In 1980, the Services for Children with Multiple Handicaps Program was created, and the program was never implemented. The Services for Children with Multiple Handicaps Program is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute: PRO: A program that was never implemented in still in the statutes, resulting in confusion for families looking for help. This cleans up the statute but does not change or impact support for families. The department gets many inquiries about this program every year, which really breaks down the trust when trying to work with families.
OTHER: While we support repealing these statues we should not forget that there are many families who need help but make too much to qualify for Medicaid and spend a significant amount of their income for care or children who fall through the cracks like not qualifying for care once they reach a certain age—example of a child with spina bifida no longer qualifying for services once the child reaches age ten.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Emily Randall, Prime Sponsor; Sue Elliott, The Arc of Washington State; Debbie Roberts, DSHS, DDA. OTHER: Doreen Vandervort, Parent to Parent.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.