HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6637
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care
Title: An act relating to qualifications for adult family home providers.
Brief Description: Concerning qualifications for adult family home providers.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser and Deccio.
Brief History:
Health Care: 2/21/06 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Campbell, Vice Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Curtis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Appleton, Bailey, Clibborn, Condotta, Green, Lantz, Moeller, Schual-Berke and Skinner.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Adult family homes are licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care.
Adult family homes provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, assistance with
activities of daily living, personal care, and nursing services, if necessary. The Department of
Social and Health Services (DSHS) is responsible for licensing adult family homes.
Prior to becoming an adult family home provider, a person must meet minimum
qualifications enumerated in statute including specific education, age, and character
requirements. Additionally, a person seeking to become a provider must satisfactorily
complete DSHS approved basic training and continuing education training as specified by
rule.
Summary of Amended Bill:
Prior to being granted a license, a provider applying for an adult family license after January
1, 2007, must complete a DSHS approved 48-hour adult family home administration and
business planning class.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The date after which a provider must complete the class is moved from July 1, 2006, to
January 1, 2007. A severability clause is added.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The class will help adult family home providers be more successful business owners.
Testimony Against: None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Keiser, prime sponsor; Aaron Mountain and Marty Woodin, Washington State Residential Care Council; and Bill Day, Jan Thomson, Richard Moore and Chris Potra, Adult Family Home Association of Washington.