HB 2260 - DIGEST

Finds that some areas of the state have a significantly higher capacity of licensed boarding home, adult family home, and nursing home beds than they have occupancy. In Yakima county, in addition to having significantly higher capacity than occupancy in boarding homes, adult family homes, and nursing homes, approximately seventy-eight percent of those receiving care in adult family homes, boarding homes, and nursing home beds are on medicaid. High vacancy rates, coupled with a high medicaid population in these care settings, can lead to quality of care issues and cost shifting to the private pay sector.

Declares that it is for this reason that a moratorium on licensing of new boarding homes and adult family homes should occur until a comprehensive study can be completed on occupancy rates and projected future need in boarding homes, nursing homes, and adult family homes.

Provides that, effective July 1, 2005, and for any application received after July 1, 2005, a moratorium exists on all new boarding home and adult family home licenses in Yakima county until June 30, 2007. The department of social and health services may issue a license to an applicant for operation of a boarding home or adult family home if the schematic plans or construction drawings for a proposed facility were submitted prior to July 1, 2005.