FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1743

PARTIAL VETO

                         C 194 L 97

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing the department of community, trade, and economic development to adopt rules to carry out the long‑term care ombudsman program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Cody, Kenney, Cooke and Blalock.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  All states are mandated by federal law to operate a long-term care ombudsman program.  The program is required to offer two primary services:  (1) direct, individual advocacy services, which should be accessible, available, and meet the needs of residents of long-term care facilities; and (2) systematic advocacy services.  In compliance with this federal mandate, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is designated in state law to be responsible for contracting for, and monitoring the performance of, the state long-term care ombudsman program.  The department is not specifically directed by law to develop rules for guiding the program.

Summary:  The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is required to adopt rules for the state long-term care ombudsman program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  94 0

Senate 47 0

Effective:July 27,  1997

Partial Veto Summary:  The governor vetoed the emergency clause.