Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 2824

Brief Description:  Revising conflict of interest provisions for the long‑term care ombudsman program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Skinner, Edwards and Chase.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Long-term care ombudsmen cannot have been employed in a long-term care facility within the past year.

Hearing Date:  2/8/02

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

Long-term care ombudsmen cannot have been employed in a long-term care facility or have had a pecunity interest in a long-term care facility within the past three years.    There is no period of ineligibility for a person who was employed in a governmental position involving licensing, certification, or regulation from becoming a long-term care ombudsman.

Summary of Bill:

A period of ineligibility of one year is established for individuals interested in becoming a long-term care ombudsman if they (1) were employed or involved in the management of a long-term care facility, or (2) were employed in a governmental position involving licensing, certification, or regulation of long-term care facilities, or (3) had a significant ownership or investment interest in a long-term care facility.  A long-term care ombudsman is prohibited from being assigned to a long-term care facility if they have an immediate family member living there.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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