HOUSE BILL REPORT
2SHB 1242
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 6, 2007
Title: An act relating to a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program.
Brief Description: Creating a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Takko, Curtis, Blake, Campbell, Green, Alexander, Moeller, Wallace, Roberts, Conway, Kenney, Ormsby, Darneille, Simpson, McDonald and Schual-Berke).
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/25/07, 2/5/07 [DPS];
Appropriations: 2/19/07, 2/21/07 [DP2S(w/o sub HCW)].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/6/07, 96-1.
Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass and do not pass the substitute bill by Committee on Health Care & Wellness. Signed by 31 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Dunshee, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Buri, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Ericks, Fromhold, Grant, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, McDermott, McDonald, McIntire, Morrell, Pettigrew, Priest, Schual-Berke, Seaquist, P. Sullivan and Walsh.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Chandler, Dunn and Kretz.
Staff: Bernard Dean (786-7130).
Background:
Adult Family Home providers currently are required to complete a department-approved
basic training and continuing education training. For providers who were licensed after
September 1, 2001, they must complete at least 320 hours of successful, direct caregiving
experience obtained after 18 years of age. For providers applying for a license after January
1, 2007, they must complete a department-approved 48 hour Adult Family Home
administration and business planning class.
Summary of Second Substitute Bill:
In addition to existing minium requirements for Adult Family Home providers, Adult Family
Homes may participate in a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program through the
University of Washington Geriatric Education Center. The voluntary Adult Family Home
certification program will include 52 hours of class requirements covering physical and
mental health conditions that can be prevented, postponed, or alleviated by health promotion
activities. Individuals successfully completing the voluntary Adult Family Home program
will be issued a certified Adult Family Home license by the Department of Social and Health
Services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: (Health Care & Wellness)
(In support) This will improve the quality of care provided to residents of Adult Family
Homes.
(Opposed) None.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: (Appropriations)
(In support) Currently adult family homes have a minimum of 40 hours and some specialty
training. This bill would up the ante for training and help reduce liability.
The University of Washington has been working with the adult family home community to
put this legislation together. The existing program is regarded quite highly. With a cut in
federal grant dollars, this program ceases to exist. This is a program where providers will be
paying fees to enter the program. It is another opportunity to measure where our level of care
is.
Adult family homes currently have a high acuity, yet have the lowest rates. Care has suffered
as a result of low Medicaid rates. Adult family homes get $70 a day and need $100 a day to
break even.
(Opposed) Often certification programs are used as a bar for private insurers. Mom and pop
providers don't have the time or resources to attend these trainings. This shouldn't be in
statute. We've just doubled adult family home education requirements last year.
Persons Testifying: (Health Care & Wellness) (In support) Representative Morrell, prime sponsor.
Persons Testifying: (Appropriations) (In support) Michael V. Vitiello, Professor of
Psychiatry, University of Washington; Janet Rhode, Terry Kohl, and Dan Simnioniw,
Washington State Residential Care Council.
(Opposed) James Danke, Washington Federation of State Employees; and Bill Day, Adult
Family Home Association.