SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5530

                              AS OF MARCH 5, 1991

Brief Description:  Correcting the name of a residential habilitation center.

SPONSORS:Senators West and L. Kreidler; by request of Dept. of Social & Health Services.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Suzanne Brown (786‑7483)

Hearing Dates:March 6, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center (FHMCC) is a state-operated Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) serving 56 persons diagnosed with autism.  The institution was originally designed to serve children up to the age of 14.  The age limitation was extended to age 21 in 1983.  By the end of the 1991-93 biennium, 43 residents will be 18 years of age or older.  The lack of community resources for autistic persons and the aging of the residents has led the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to allow this facility to be used for both adults and children.

The Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center Task Force was convened in December 1989 to make recommendations regarding services for autistic persons and the role of FHMCC.  The task force recommendations include the development of a consultation team to provide support to families and community programs serving autistic persons and the maintenance of four beds at FHMCC exclusively for evaluation and respite care.

The Governor's proposed budget funds the RHC Comprehensive Plan.  This plan establishes two respite beds at Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center and provides additional staff to provide consultation and in-home support to families and community programs serving autistic persons.

SUMMARY:

The word "Children's" is deleted from the title of the Frances Haddon Morgan Children's Center.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested