SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5976

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, March 5, 2003

Title: An act relating to adult day care services.

Brief Description: Exempting adult day care services from certain regulations.

Sponsors: Senator Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/5/03 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5976 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Brandland, Franklin, Keiser, Parlette and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7198)

Background: Adult day services are supervised day time programs that provide personal care, social, and recreational services to frail, elderly and disabled adults. These services may be reimbursed through Medicaid. Adult day care centers do not require a license; however, in order to be reimbursed by Medicaid, they must follow rules authorized under 74.08 RCW.

Adult family homes are licensed to provide care to six or fewer unrelated individuals. Adult family homes provide room, board and a full range of personal and health care services to frail, elderly and disabled residents. They are licensed and inspected by the Department of Social and Health Services.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Adult day care, provided in family homes to no more than five adults who do not spend the night, is not required to get an adult family home license. Services may not be provided for longer than 12 hours a day.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute bill defines how many hours a day services may be provided.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Adult day care is a valuable service and should not be hindered by unnecessary rules.

Testimony Against: If people spend the night, the facility is an adult family home and should be licensed that way.

Testified: Katie DeVore (pro); Steve Leach (pro); Irene Pearson (pro); Penny Black, DSHS (con).