SENATE BILL REPORT

2EHB 2458

As of March 14, 2002

Title:  An act relating to licensing fees for adult family homes.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the department of social and health services to establish licensing fees for adult family homes.

Sponsors:  Representative Sommers; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

Staff:  Tim Yowell (786-7435)

Background:  Adult family homes provide residential care for adults who need supervision and assistance because of advanced age or disabilities.  Each home may care for up to six residents.  There are presently about 2,000 licensed homes in the state, with about 11,200 beds.  Adult family homes are licensed and inspected by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

DSHS will spend about $6.8 million on adult family home licensure and inspection this year.  Federal funds will cover about half that cost.  Licensing fees, which have been set in statute at $50 per home since 1989, will cover about $100,000 of the cost.  The remaining $3.15 million will be covered by general state revenues.  The Governor has proposed that adult family home license fees be increased to $1,458 per home, to cover the full non-federal cost of licensing and inspecting them.

Summary of Bill: Adult family home licensing fees shall be $125 per year.

DSHS employees may not discriminate or retaliate against adult family home staff who file a complaint against the department or its employees.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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