Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee

SSB 6404

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: Modifying the process for designating regional support networks.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove and Pridemore; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Establishes a process to replace a Regional Support Network that voluntarily terminates its contract or refuses to sign a contract with the Department of Social and Health Services to act as a Regional Support Network.

Hearing Date: 2/21/08

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

If a Regional Support Network fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to assume the responsibilities of the Regional Support Network. Currently, only a county or group of counties, or a private nonprofit entity are authorized to serve as a Regional Support Network. If a Regional Support Network fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, the DSHS will assume the responsibilities of the Regional Support Network until a new entity is designated as the Regional Support Network.

Summary of Bill:

A Regional Support Network may be a county, group of counties, or a nonprofit or for-profit entity. If a Regional Support Network fails to meet state minimum standards, refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, or notifies the DSHS it will no longer serve as a Regional Support Network, the DSHS will assume the responsibilities of the Regional Support Network until a new entity is designated as the Regional Support Network through a competitive procurement process. A Regional Support Network that voluntarily terminates its contract to act as a Regional Support Network is prohibited from responding to a procurement or serving as a Regional Support Network for five years. An entity selected through the procurement process to act as the Regional Support Network is not required to contract for services with any county-owned or operated facility.

Contracts between a Regional Support Network and the DSHS will include a provision that either party must provide 90 days advance notice of its intent to voluntarily terminate a contract to act as a Regional Support Network.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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