Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care Committee |
|
HB 1621
Brief Description: Modifying medical assistance provisions.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Pflug, Skinner, Cody, Clibborn and Schual-Berke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
• Removes the mandatory nurse review of all plans of care in the Personal Care Program. |
Hearing Date: 2/11/03
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
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. 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 of Bill:
The Department will determine by rule which clients in the Personal Care 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2003.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.