HB 1242

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 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 Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Appropriations

Title: An act relating to a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program.

Brief Description: Creating a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Takko, Curtis, Blake, Campbell, Green, Alexander, Moeller, Wallace, Roberts, Conway, Kenney, Ormsby, Darneille, Simpson, McDonald and Schual-Berke.

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.

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 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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services establishes a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program at the University of Washington is deleted. Adult Family Homes may voluntarily participate in the certification program established by the Geriatric Education Center at the University of Washington.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This will improve the quality of care provided to residents of Adult Family Homes.

(Opposed) None.

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.

Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Compared to Recommendation of Committee On Health Care & Wellness:

The Appropriations Committee clarified that the University of Washington Geriatric Center will establish the class requirements for the voluntary adult family home certification program, as opposed to the Department of Social and Health Services.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(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: (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.