| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Human Services Committee | |
HB 2463
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: Concerning vendor rates for supported living providers.
Sponsors: Representatives Roberts, Sells, O'Brien, Liias and Haler.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/24/08
Staff: Brian Considine (786-7290).
Background:
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Supported Living Services offers instruction
and support to persons with developmental disabilities who live in their own homes in the
community. Clients who receive supported living services are 18 years of age or older, and they
have been assessed as needing supported living services to meet their health and welfare needs.
Support services may vary from a few hours per month up to 24 hours per day of one-on-one
support. Clients pay their own rent, food, and other personal expenses, and the DDD contracts
with private agencies to provide supported living services. These services are also offered by the
State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) program, which is a supported living service offered
by state employees.
Services provided may include: alternative living services, dental services, child development
services, community access services, employment, family services, therapeutic services, nursing
and/or therapeutic services.
Funding for these services come from the state's General Fund and federal funds - i.e. Medicaid.
During the 2007 fiscal year, the DDD reports that it served 3,354 people, and it contracted with
141 providers.
Rates are determined for each individual client based on the number of direct care staff hours
needed to meet the client's assessed needs. Staff hours are paid at a pre-determined benchmark
rate specific to county categories (Metropolitan Service Areas (MSA), Non-MSA and King
County). In addition to the direct staff rate, an Indirect Client Support /Administrative rate is
applied. A client transportation rate is calculated, and for agencies that provide lodging for
overnight staff usage, a rate for the lodging cost is included. All rates are reviewed by the Cost
Reimbursement Analyst and approved by the Residential Program Manager and the Division
Director.
Summary of Bill:
Three county categories are created for the Department of Social and Health Services to use
when it establishes vendor rates for supported living providers. The regions are: King and
Snohomish Counties; MSA; and Non-MSA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2008.