AN ACT Relating to an advisory committee on matters relating to the regulation of adult family homes; adding new sections to chapter 18.48 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 70.128 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 18.48 RCW to read as follows:

Adult family homes have developed rapidly in response to the health and social needs of the aging population in community settings, especially as the aging population has increased in proportion to the general population. The growing demand for elder care with a new focus on issues affecting senior citizens, including persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or dementia, has prompted a growing professionalization of adult family home providers to address quality care and quality of life issues consistent with standards of accountability and regulatory safeguards for the health and safety of the residents. The establishment of an advisory committee to the department of health and the department of social and health services under section 2 of this act formalizes a stable process for discussing and considering these issues among residents and their advocates, regulatory officials, and adult family home providers. The dialogue among all stakeholders interested in maintaining a healthy option for the aging population in community settings assures the highest regard for the well-being of these residents within a benign and functional regulatory environment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 18.48 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The secretary, in consultation with the secretary of social and health services, shall appoint an advisory committee on matters relating to the regulation, administrative rules, enforcement process, staffing, and training requirements of adult family homes. The advisory committee shall be composed of six members, of which two members shall be resident advocates, three members shall represent adult family home providers, and one member shall represent the public and serve as chair. The members shall generally represent the interests of aging residents, residents with dementia, residents with mental illness, and residents with developmental disabilities respectively. Members representing adult family home providers must have at least two years' experience as licensees. The membership must generally reflect urban and rural areas and western and eastern parts of the state. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

(2) The secretary may remove a member of the advisory committee for cause as specified by rule adopted by the department. If there is a vacancy, the secretary shall appoint a member to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(3) The advisory committee shall meet at the times and places designated by the secretary and shall hold meetings during the year as necessary to provide advice to the secretary on matters relating to the regulation of adult family homes. A majority of the members may request a meeting of the committee for any express purpose directly related to the regulation of adult family homes. A majority of members currently serving shall constitute a quorum.

(4) Establishment of the advisory committee shall not prohibit the department of health from utilizing other advisory activities that the department of health deems necessary for program development.

(5) Each member of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for travel expenses as authorized in RCW 43.03.060.

(6) The secretary, members of the advisory committee, or individuals acting on their behalf are immune from civil liability for official acts performed in the course of their duties.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 70.128 RCW to read as follows:

Establishment of the advisory committee shall not prohibit the department of social and health services from utilizing other advisory activities that the department of social and health services deems necessary for program development.