SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6747

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Health & Long-Term Care, February 2, 1996

Title:  An act relating to the designation of a nursing home.

Brief Description:  Preserving the Yakima Valley School as a nursing facility for persons who are severely developmentally disabled.

Sponsors:  Senator Deccio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  1/31/96, 2/2/96 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Franklin, Moyer, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Wood.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senator Fairley.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  The state operates five residential habilitation centers for individuals with developmental disabilities. These facilities are permanently established in statute. Currently, 1,298 people with varying degrees of disability live in RHCs, including 117 at the Yakima Valley School in Selah, Washington.

Summary of Bill:  The Yakima Valley School is maintained as a permanent nursing facility for the severely developmentally disabled. The facility's licensed capacity at 150 beds is established in statute. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  There needs to be stability for the residents of these facilities.

Testimony Against:  Putting these beds permanently in statute goes against the trend of finding community placement for people with developmental disabilities.

Testified:  Ellie Menzies, 1199 NW/SEIU (pro); Janet Adams, WA Assembly (con).