SSB 5732

Title: An act relating to in-home long-term care services liability.

Brief Description: Revising provisions for long-term care service options.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Deccio, Rasmussen, Brandland and Winsley).

Hearing Date: 2/26/04

Staff: Bill Perry (786-7123).

Background:

An "area agency on aging" (AAA) is a public or non-profit private agency or organization selected by the state and recognized under federal law. An AAA consults with and provides advice to the Department of Social and Health Services on the delivery of programs to the elderly.

Among an AAA's duties are a variety of functions with regard to the delivery of medicaid personal care and chore services programs through an individual provider. One of those duties is to monitor a consumer's plan of care to "ensure" that it adequately meets the consumer's needs. Another duty is to develop a plan of care that includes a statement "that the individual provider" is able and willing to carry out his or her responsibilities under the plan.

Summary of Bill:

As part of an AAA's monitoring duties, an AAA is required to "verify" rather than "ensure" that a care plan is meeting the needs of a consumer.

With respect to the development of a consumer's plan of care, the required statement in a plan regarding the ability and willingness of the individual provider is to be provided by the provider, rather than by the AAA.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.