EHB 1217

SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1217

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 Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, March 20, 2007

Brief Description: Establishing standards for clubhouse rehabilitation services.

Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Darneille, Bailey, Cody, Pettigrew, Green, Kenney, Dickerson, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Campbell, Linville, Seaquist and Morrell.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Marr and McAuliffe.

Background: The Clubhouse Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation is a consumer-run program for treatment of people with severe and persistent mental illness. The Clubhouse Model seeks to demonstrate that people with mental illness can successfully live productive lives and work in the community, regardless of the nature or severity of their mental illness. Currently, there are over 300 clubhouses in 24 countries around the world which are certified by the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). In March of 1994, the ICCD was created to serve and represent the rapidly growing clubhouse community. Through the ICCD, a set of International Standards for Clubhouse Programs were developed and agreed upon by the worldwide clubhouse community, giving the first working definition of the Clubhouse Model of Rehabilitation. Every two years, the worldwide clubhouse community reviews the standards and amends them, as deemed necessary.

Summary of Engrossed Bill: This bill defines "clubhouse" in the Washington Community Mental Health Services Act. A rehabilitation program identifying itself as a clubhouse must be certified by the ICCD. Clubhouses that have completed requirements for certification and are awaiting a formal review will be deemed to have met the minimum standards.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Human Services & Corrections): The amended bill eliminates the requirement that all clubhouses be ICCD clubhouses. Clubhouses are defined as community-based facilities that are certified by DSHS to provide rehabilitation services. The amended bill expands the duties of DSHS to include the certification of clubhouses and sets minimum standards for the purpose of certification of clubhouses.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Clubhouse model has allowed individuals with mental health to recover and find employment. Standards hold entities that use the name clubhouse to an internationally recognized model. Clubhouses help individuals with mental illness have a place where they are provided with an opportunity to work together with other mental health consumers who have overcome their illness. The goal is to make consistent standards for all entities that use the clubhouse model. This bill defines clubhouse as ICCD certified clubhouses, which is the gold standard in clubhouses. When a non-profit entity took over a clubhouse and moved away from ICCD guidelines the clubhouse lost its value for the members. Even though ICCD certification is difficult, it is worth the effort. An ICCD clubhouse sets down standards and rules that empower the members. This power allows people with mental illness the opportunity to be productive members of the community. It is important for there to be a distinction between certified clubhouses and other types of clubhouses. ICCD clubhouses are the ones that have been through a rigorous study and have proven outcomes. It is good public policy to support services that are evidence-based. The state cannot continue to take the responsibility for the recovery of consumers. Clubhouses are a way out for consumers who have run out of options. Clubhouses are a new way of life which allows consumers to take responsibility for their own lives. New opportunities open up for mental health consumers who are involved in clubhouse programs. Pass this bill which saves the lives of so many mentally ill individuals and affords them the opportunity to be citizens of the state of Washington.

CON: Currently Clubhouses are not licensed or certified by the Mental Health Division, and this definition would limit the model that can be funded by the division under the federal waiver granted to this state by the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. The standard for clubhouses funded under the current Medicaid Waiver is the ICCD guidelines. The Mental Health Division supports the ICCD model as an aspirational goal. This is an effective model; however, the combination of federal funds and state support will allow expansion of this program on a statewide level. Only seven of the 13 Regional Support Networks (RSN) have Clubhouses in their region. Most of the RSNs are in favor of requiring ICCD certification; however, adopting a mandate at this time may have financial repercussions on those RSNs, which do not have ICCD Clubhouses in their regions. In every RSN there are some funds that have gone for alternative services like Clubhouses.

OTHER: Consumer-run services in general should be supported and recognized. Amend this bill in a similar manner to the companion bill, Senate Bill 5644, as passed by this committee earlier this session. This bill can also be improved by expanding this bill to include language which requires regional support networks to provide consumer- or advocate-run services to individuals with a mental illness, as found in HB 1022.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Richard Blaine, Cowlitz River Clubhouse; Rita Whigham, Evergreen Club; Bill Waters, Washington State Clubhouse Coalition; Lenora Warden, Todd Cressman, Rose House Clubhouse; Logan Chrysler, Capital Clubhouse; Don Nichols, Rising Sun Clubhouse; Joy Wright, Promise Club Wenatchee.

CON: Richard Kellogg, DSHS; Jean Wessman, Association of Counties.

OTHER: Carole Willey, Holistic Health and Advocacy; Clifford Thurston, citizen.