SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5863

                    As of February 24, 1999

Title:  An act relating to boarding homes.

Brief Description:  Changing the definition of boarding home.

Sponsors:  Senators Benton, Hargrove, Honeyford, Bauer, Johnson and Rossi.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/24/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Boarding homes are residential facilities licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services providing "domiciliary" care to three or more persons who are not related or married to the licensee.

Domiciliary care means receiving assistance with such activities as bathing, dressing, grooming, hygiene, walking, or limited nursing services including those permitted under nurse delegation, medication services, and general responsibility for the health and well being of the resident.  Licensees are required to provide care plans for all residents in the boarding homes.

Residents of boarding homes are protected under state resident rights statutes for long-term care facilities.

The department is required to inspect boarding homes annually.  Inspections may include inspecting every part of the premises and all records, except financial records.

 There are over 16,000 people living in 464 licensed boarding homes in the state.  Most residents pay privately.

Summary of Bill:  Any unit which is part of the licensed bed capacity of the boarding home is exempt from licensure or regulation as a boarding home, if that unit is occupied by an independent person who does not require any assistance.  The provision excludes those units which are shared by more than one person, any of whom receive domiciliary care.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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