Brief Description: Regulating adult family home staff.

Sponsors: Representatives Curtis, Cody, Bailey, Clibborn, Skinner and Schual-Berke.

Hearing Date: 2/22/05

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Adult family homes are facilities licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care. These 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, which provide community-based residential care for elderly and disabled individuals. Individual food handler permits are required for adult family home providers and staff.

In 2001, Governor Locke partially vetoed SHB 1320. The veto removed the authority for employees of adult family homes to replace a food handlers license from the Department of Health with approved additional food safety training as part of their regular care giver training. The requirement for DSHS to develop opportunities for its staff to become familiar with the routines of adult family homes was also eliminated.

Summary of Bill:

DSHS is required to implement a food safety component as part of the required training for staff and providers in adult family homes. The food safety component must meet the standards established by the State Board of Health. Adult family home providers and staff will not be required to have an individual food handlers permit if they successfully complete training.

DSHS is required to develop opportunities for its staff to become familiar with the actual environment and daily routine of care and services in adult family homes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 17, 2005.

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