SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6583

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Health & Long-Term Care, January 30, 1998

Title:  An act relating to an advisory committee on matters relating to the regulation of adult family homes.

Brief Description:  Creating an advisory committee on matters relating to the regulation of adult family homes.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Wojahn, Deccio, Franklin, Winsley, Wood and Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/23/98, 1/30/98 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6583 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Benton, Fairley, Franklin, Strannigan and Wojahn.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Adult family homes are facilities licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide room, board, supervision and other services for up to six unrelated adults.  Many of the residents of adult family homes are frail elderly, and people with developmental disabilities.  There are 2,253 licensed adult family homes in the state.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  An advisory committee on matters related to adult family homes is authorized.  The advisory committee is composed of  12 members, of which six are resident advocates, and six are facility providers representing homes which have residents with dementia, mental illness and developmental disabilities.  Member criteria are outlined.

The advisory committee meets to provide advice to DSHS and the Department of Health on matters relating to the regulation of adult family homes.

Each member of the advisory committee serves without compensation.  The Secretary of the Department of Health appoints members.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The advisory committee is placed under the Department of Health.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested.

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

Testimony For:  Adult family home providers need to have more input when regulations affecting the industry are being developed.

Testimony Against:  This advisory committee would limit the numbers of people who would provide input to regulators.

Testified:  John Therrien, community homes (pro); Jeff Larsen, WSRCC (pro w/amend.); Bill Day, Adult Family Home Association (pro); Marti Morin, adult family home (pro); Karen Wileman, adult family home (pro).