Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1347


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.

Brief Description: Requiring emergency response plans for long-term care facilities.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Kagi, Morrell, Haigh, Green, Kessler, Cody, Appleton, Ormsby, Hunter, Kenney, O'Brien, Springer, Santos and Campbell.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires long-term care residential care facilities to have emergency response plans in place.

Hearing Date: 2/7/07

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Nursing homes, adult family homes, and boarding homes are currently required to have emergency response places in place to deal with natural and man-made emergency situations. Only nursing homes are required to have emergency generator backup. There is currently no requirement that long-term care facilities coordinate their emergency response plans with local political subdivision emergency planning authorities.

Summary of Bill:

All long-term care residential care facilities are required to have emergency response plans in place. The emergency response plans will provide for an alternative source of power. Long-term care emergency response plans must be coordinated with local political subdivision emergency planning authorities.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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