HB 1880-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares an intent of the legislature to clarify the right of adults with functional disabilities to choose to self-direct their own health-related tasks through personal aides, and to describe the circumstances under which self-directed care may take place in the home setting.

     Provides that any individual who, for compensation, serves as a personal aide provider under contract or agreement with the department of social and health services, to a person who self-directs his or her own care in his or her own home, shall register with the department of social and health services.

     Directs the department to establish, by rule, training, background checks, and other quality assurance requirements for personal aides who provide in-home services funded by medicaid personal care as described in RCW 74.09.520, community options program entry system waiver services as described in RCW 74.39A.030, or chore services as described in RCW 74.39A.110 that are equivalent to requirements for individual providers.

     Provides that, to the extent that funds are appropriated for this purpose, the University of Washington school of nursing shall study the implementation of this act as it relates to self-directed care performed for persons receiving services through department of  social and health services' programs, and submit a report to the legislature by November 1, 2001, to include findings as well as any recommendations for improvements to this act.