SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2283
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:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 21, 2008
Title: An act relating to the joint legislative audit and review committee performance reviews of the home care quality authority.
Brief Description: Concerning the joint legislative audit and review committee performance reviews of the home care quality authority.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Alexander, Schual-Berke, Cody, Kenney and Kelley.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/08, 94-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)
Background: In 2001 the Home Care Quality Authority (HCQA) was created by initiative. The
HCQA provides oversight to home care workers who serve elderly and disabled clients in the
state's Medicaid and developmental disabilities programs. Among other tasks, the HCQA
establishes qualifications and accountability standards for home care workers, manages a registry
of workers, and provides their training.
The initiative that created the HCQA also required the Joint Legislative Audit and Review
Committee (JLARC) to conduct a performance review of HCQA every two years to be submitted
to the Legislature and the Governor. The first review was submitted on January 4, 2007.
Summary of Bill: The requirement for the JLARC to conduct a performance review of the HCQA is limited to two reviews, with the second review submitted to the Legislature and the Governor by December 1, 2009. The second review will assess the services provided by the HCQA to meet its statutory duties and any other questions required by the Legislature.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: These audits are costing more than it is costing to run the agency of four people. It is good government to drop the requirement that they be done every two years.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hunter, prime sponsor.