FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1621

C 279 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Modifying medical assistance provisions.

Sponsors: By Representatives Morrell, Pflug, Skinner, Cody, Clibborn and Schual-Berke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

Personal care services are provided to eligible individuals through the Aging and Disability Services Administration within the Department of Social and Health Services (Department). The program is financed through the Federal Medicaid Program (Program). The Program requires that clients be assessed by a nurse to determine whether they have a medical condition that requires assistance with personal care tasks.

Summary:

The Department will determine by rule which clients in the Personal Care Services Program have a health-related assessment or service planning need that requires registered nurse consultation or review. The requirement that plans of care must be reviewed by a nurse is removed and replaced with permissive language that allows for nurse review, but does not require it.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 91  0

Senate 44  0

Effective: July 27, 2003