HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB 1752

Title:  An act relating to the long‑term care ombudsman program.

Brief Description:  Including persons with developmental disabilities in the long‑term ombudsman program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cooke, Dyer, Tokuda, McDonald, Sheahan, Cairnes, Cody, Ballasiotes, Bush, Boldt, Wolfe, Mitchell, Doumit, Ogden, Thompson, Blalock, Poulsen, L. Thomas, O'Brien, Costa, Backlund, Veloria, Kenney and Carlson.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 20, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  David Knutson  (786-7146).

Background:  A developmentally disabled person, his or her guardian, or other interested party may contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), which will investigate and possibly refer a complaint to adult protective services or child protective services for further investigation.  Complaints and reports can also be made to the licensor of an out-of-home placement, generally the Department of Health, or to the Washington Protection and Advocacy System.

In 1988, the Legislature designated the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman as a separate entity apart from the DSHS in order to provide more effective investigation and resolution of complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities.  The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development was required to contract with a private nonprofit organization to provide long-term care ombudsman services.

Summary of Bill:  The long-term care ombudsman will also provide protection for people with developmental disabilities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.