Brief Description: Authorizing record checks for developmental disabilities service providers.

Sponsors: Representatives Roberts, Haler, Kagi, Walsh, Hudgins, Darneille, Dickerson, Schual-Berke and Simpson.

Hearing Date: 2/1/06

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides direct services to persons with developmental disabilities and also is authorized to contract with private companies to provide services to such persons. The DSHS is required to investigate the criminal records, pending charges, and disciplinary board records of DSHS employees as well as individual providers who have regularly scheduled unsupervised access to persons with developmental disabilities. The investigation may include an examination of state and national data. Under rules adopted by the DSHS, persons who have lived in Washington for three years or more are not required to undergo a national criminal background check.

Summary of Bill:

A state and national criminal background check is required of all persons who provide services and have regularly scheduled unsupervised access to persons with developmental disabilities. The records check report must be provide to the individual being checked. Persons may be hired on a conditional basis pending completion of the investigation, and if a records check has been completed within the previous two years, the agency may waive the requirement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/23/06.

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