BILL REQ. #:  H-0933.1 

Read first time 02/17/2003.   Referred to Committee on Health Care.

     AN ACT Relating to capital rate add-on payments for boarding homes; adding a new section to chapter 74.39A RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 74.39A RCW to read as follows:
     The purpose of this section is to recognize the significant financial commitment made by providers to construct new or remodeled housing for the state's elderly who receive medicaid contracted assisted living services in boarding homes. Therefore, boarding home providers who had submitted new construction plans, or plans to remodel an existing boarding home to the department of health, construction review, before June 30, 2002, shall, on the effective date of this act, receive a capital rate add-on as long as:
     (1) The boarding home provider was receiving a capital rate add-on payment before June 30, 2002; and
     (2) The boarding home was built or remodeled to provide the following:
     (a) Private apartment-like units;
     (b) A kitchen area equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave oven or stovetop, and a counter or table for food preparation. In a new facility, a kitchen area must also be equipped with a sink and counter area, and storage space for utensils and supplies;
     (c) A lockable entry door;
     (d) A separate private bathroom, including a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub. In a new facility, a minimum of fifty percent of the bathrooms shall be wheelchair accessible and have a roll-in shower;
     (e) In a remodeled facility, an individual unit shall have a minimum of one hundred eighty square feet including counters, closets, and built-ins, excluding the bathroom. In a new facility, an individual unit shall have a minimum of two hundred twenty square feet including counters, closets, and built-ins, excluding the bathroom;
     (f) A living area shall be wired for telephone service and, where geographically possible, wired for television service;
     (g) In a new facility, the contractor shall provide a private accessible mailbox; and
     (h) A home-like smoke-free common area or areas with sufficient space for socialization designed to meet resident needs.
     The capital rate add-on payment made under this section shall be at least equal to the rate amount received before implementation of the capital rate add-on reduction in funding resulting from chapter 371, Laws of 2002.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.