Brief Description: Concerning assisted living facility medicaid minimum occupancy of fifty percent or greater.

Sponsors: Representatives Santos, Morrell, Bailey, Cody, Hinkle, Pettigrew, Linville and Schual-Berke.

Hearing Date: 1/27/06

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) pays assisted living facilities a daily rate. The Department also pays a capital add-on rate to facilities that meet construction requirements specified in the Washington Administrative Code and serves a minimum number of Medicaid clients. The formula for determining eligibility for the capital add-on rate is contingent on the total amount budgeted for this purpose and is adjusted twice annually.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services is required to establish a capital add-on rate for assisted living facilities that have a medicaid minimum occupancy percentage of fifty percent or greater.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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