Brief Description: Protecting vulnerable adults from exposure to methamphetamine manufacturing.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Curtis, Ericks, O'Brien, Dunshee, Kessler, Blake, Clibborn, McCoy, Miloscia, Ahern, Roberts, McDermott, Hunt, McDonald, Williams, Haler, McCune, Kenney, Morrell, Wallace, Kilmer, Green, Springer, Ormsby and Woods.

Hearing Date: 1/25/06

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

In 1999, the Legislature consolidated into one chapter the various provisions relating to the protection of vulnerable adults. The purpose of the vulnerable adult chapter is to provide the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and law enforcement agencies with authority to investigate complaints of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of vulnerable adults. A vulnerable adult includes persons who:
(1) are age sixty years and over who have a functional, physical, or mental inability for self-care;
(2) have been found to be incapacitated;
(3) have a developmental disability;
(3) reside in nursing homes, adult family homes, residential habilitation centers, and other licensed facilities; or
(4) are receiving hospice or home health services.

Certain persons are mandated reporters of suspected abuse of vulnerable adults. Abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, and mental abuse. Physical abuse means the intentional infliction of bodily injury or physical mistreatment.

Summary of Bill:

The definition of physical abuse within the vulnerable adult statute is expanded to include exposure to the manufacture of methamphetamine or exposure to chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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