Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Human Services Committee

HB 3055

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: Permitting persons with developmental disabilities to make living decisions regarding independent supported living providers.

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Simpson, Conway, Haler, Roberts and Ormsby.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to establish a new option within the existing the Supported Living Services program that allows clients to hire and fire the providers of Supported Living Services.
  • Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to develop and collaborate with an advisory council to develop the new option which allows clients to hire and fire providers.
  • Allows providers of Supported Living Services, under the new option, to be designated as independent contractors.
  • Allows providers of Supported Living Services, under the new option, to collectively bargain with the State over wages and benefits and requires providers of Supported Living Services to be paid directly by the state.

Hearing Date: 1/30/08

Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092).

Background:

The Division of Developmental Disabilities, within the Department of Social and Health Services (Department), assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to obtain services based upon individual preference, capabilities, and needs. Among the programs offered is Supported Living Services which offers instruction and support to persons who live in their own homes in the community. The support provided may vary from a few hours per month to 24 hours per day. Individuals receiving these services pay for their own rent, food, and other personal expenses. The Division of Developmental Disabilities contracts with private agencies to provide Supported Living Services to individuals.

Summary of Bill:

A new option within the Supported Living Services would be created. The Department would be required to work with an advisory council to create the option which would allow individuals to hire, fire, and otherwise direct the work of providers of the services under the new option. The council shall consist of: (1) a representative of the Washington Developmental Disabilities Council; (2) a representative of the Arc of Washington State; (3) a client receiving Supported Living Services; (4) a family member of a client receiving Supported Living Services; (5) a representative of a labor or employee organization which represents at least 20,000 home and community-based long-term care workers; and (6) a representative of the Aging and Adult Services Administration.

In addition to having the ability to direct the work of service providers, the new option would: (1) provide clients with the required support to assist in directing the work of their providers; (2) give control over the selection of providers to clients and their family members or friends; (3) give providers of services the status of independent contractors and allow them to collectively bargain with the state over wages and benefits, and allow these independent contractors to be paid directly by the state; (4) maintain any allocated hours to support to a client regardless of the increase in wages and benefits obtained by providers through the collective bargaining process; and (5) provide services to 50 clients, with 25 clients served under a core waiver and 25 served under a basic plus waiver.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2008.

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