SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5374

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 1993

Brief Description:  Concerning the licensure of exempt hospice agencies.

SPONSORS: Senators von Reichbauer, Oke, Wojahn, Bauer, Barr, Hochstatter and Winsley; by request of Legislative Budget Committee

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Agencies that provide hospice services are regulated by the state.  Hospice services include care to terminally ill people that reduce pain and provide emotional and spiritual support.  In addition, hospice services include bereavement care provided to families of the terminally ill.

The state regulation of hospice agencies began in 1988.  The law provided that volunteer hospice organizations were not subject to licensure if they were formed prior to January 1, 1988 and notified the state of their status as a volunteer hospice by July 1, 1989.  Volunteer hospices formed since that time have been subject to licensure.

SUMMARY:

Hospice agencies that do not receive fees for their services are exempt from licensure.  Contributions provided by clients to hospices for their services are not considered fees.  Hospices may pay their staff for providing care and still qualify for the exemption from licensure.  Hospices qualifying for the exemption may refer to themselves as "exempt hospice."  Hospice agencies exempt from licensure may seek licensure if they choose.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested