SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5967

As of February 21, 2001

Title:  An act relating to establishing a pilot project to provide community‑based services through a public‑private based partnership for persons with developmental disabilities.

Brief Description:  Establishing a pilot project to provide community‑based services through a public‑private based partnership for persons with developmental disabilities.

Sponsors:  Senators Franklin, Rasmussen, Winsley, Thibaudeau, Oke, Regala, Deccio, Kastama, Eide and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/21/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  In 1997, legislation was passed  creating a developmental disabilities stakeholder workgroup whose mission was to assist the Department of Social and Health Services in developing a strategic plan for the developmental disabilities community.  Since its establishment, the stakeholder  group has advised the department on ways to promote policies of choice and self-determination in the provision of services to the developmental disabilities community.

The recommendations of the stakeholder group included establishing a pilot project which would provide for a ?full spectrum@ of needs for people, using plans that are ? person-centered.@

The goal of the pilot was to  figure out how to create a successful delivery system based on choice and self-determination for persons with developmental disabilities.

Summary of Bill:  The Secretary of Social and Health Services is directed to coordinate a pilot project for 20 persons with developmental disabilities.  This is a community based model, individually budgeted, designed and administered according to the needs of the selected  individuals.  It serves as a statewide model for how programs for the disabled can be successfully administered.  The range of services could include simple chores and transportation, or complex 24-hour care for people in the pilot who are extremely disabled.  Based on the assessment process, each participant is afforded a residential option necessary to meet their needs.

The pilot project uses private and public money to expand service options for the participants.

The  department  is  directed  to  evaluate  the  pilot  project  and  make  an  initial  report  of  its  findings  and  conclusions  to  the  Legislature  by  December  1,  2002,  and  a  final  report  by  December  1,  2003.

Appropriation:  $750,000 or as much as is necessary for fiscal year ending June 30, 2002. $980,000, or as much as is necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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