SB 5183-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/10/01)

     Finds that the state of Washington has a compelling interest in protecting and promoting the health, welfare, and safety of vulnerable adults residing in adult family homes.

     Declares the health, safety, and well-being of vulnerable adults must be the paramount concern in determining whether to issue a license to an applicant, whether to suspend or revoke a license, or whether to take other licensing actions.

     Provides that, in order to prevent disruption to current residents, at the request of the current licensed provider, the department shall give processing priority to the application of a person seeking to be licensed as the new provider for the adult family home.  The department may issue a provisional license when a currently licensed adult family home provider has applied to be licensed as the new provider for a currently licensed adult family home, the application has been initially processed, and all that remains to complete the application process is an on-site inspection.

     Requires for those applying after September 1, 2001, to be licensed as a provider, and for resident managers whose employment begins after September 1, 2001, a high school diploma or general educational development certificate.

     Requires literacy in the English language.  However, a person not literate in the English language may meet the requirements of this subsection by assuring that there is a person on staff and available who is able to communicate or make provisions for communicating with the resident in his or her primary language and capable of understanding and speaking English well enough to be able to respond appropriately to emergency situations and be able to read and understand resident care plans.

     Requires for those applying after September 1, 2001, to be licensed as a provider, and for resident managers whose employment begins after September 1, 2001, at least three hundred twenty hours of successful direct caregiving experience obtained after age eighteen to vulnerable adults or children in a licensed or contracted setting before operating or managing an adult family home.