FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5421

                          C 250 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying the definition of "vulnerable adult" for background check purposes.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senator Fraser).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  All prospective employees and certain volunteers of businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies are subject to background checks if they will have responsibility for the education, training, treatment, supervision, housing, or recreational activities of vulnerable adults.

A vulnerable adult is currently defined as a person 60 years old or older who does not have the functional, mental or physical ability to care for him or herself, or a person who is a patient in a state mental hospital.

Summary:  For the purposes of requesting and receiving background checks, the definition of a vulnerable adult is expanded to include all individuals, regardless of age, who lack the functional, mental, or physical ability to care for themselves.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is authorized to disclose the results of a background check directly to a developmentally disabled person, a vulnerable adult, or his or her guardian upon request.

"Criminal abandonment" is added to the list of crimes against children or other persons that must be reported by the WSP as part of the background check.

A technical change clarifies that the Department of Licensing is not the disciplining authority for the businesses and professions (other than real estate brokers and salespersons) that are required to report their final disciplinary decisions as part of the background checks.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    47 0

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995