SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2591

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 20, 1992

Brief Description:  Providing for protection and advocacy for persons with developmental disability or mental illness.

SPONSORS: Representatives Leonard, Winsley, Riley, Franklin, Paris, Mitchell, Jacobsen, Dellwo, Rasmussen, J. Kohl and Brekke; by request of Department of Community Development

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Sarena Seifer (786‑7417)

Hearing Dates: February 27, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The federal government requires states to provide protection and advocacy services to developmentally disabled and mentally ill persons under two separate federal laws.  The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986, both require legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies be in place for eligible persons.  Washington State's statutory authority to operate these two programs is found in Title 71A RCW, relating to developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY:

The statutory authority to operate a protection and advocacy program for the developmentally disabled remains in Title 71A RCW.  The statutory authority to operate a protection and advocacy program for the mentally ill is transferred to Title 71 RCW, relating to mental illness. 

The director of the Department of Community Development, or the director's designee, is the state official responsible for state compliance with federal and other requirements necessary to ensure proper administration of the state's protection and advocacy system. 

The protection and advocacy programs for the developmentally disabled and mentally ill are terminated on June 30, 1997, and subject to the Washington Sunset Act of 1977.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 24, 1992