SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6660

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 07, 2008

Title: An act relating to area agencies.

Brief Description: Changing requirements for sanctioning an area agency on aging.

Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Pflug and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/04/08, 2/07/08 [DPS, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6660 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Fairley, Kohl-Welles and Marr.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Carrell.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)

Background: Currently the state has 13 Area Agencies on Aging that are approved by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to carry out programs and services for senior citizens. These agencies receive funding under the federal Older Americans Act, and are designated to provide community based programs described in federal and state law. DSHS is responsible for designating area agencies, and for assuring that programs and services comply with requirements of the Older Americans Act.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Qualifications for designation as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) under the state's Senior Citizen's Act are modified. A designated agency may serve a majority of senior citizens. The department will establish discipline procedures against area agencies on aging in rule. A majority of clients is defined as 55 percent. Language is eliminated that refers to requiring local jurisdictions pay for the cost of costs of dedesignation.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The department will establish discipline procedures against area agencies on aging in rule. A majority of clients is defined as 55 percent. Language is eliminated that refers to requiring local jurisdictions pay for the cost of costs of dedesignation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The act contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Area Agencies on Aging have no recourse when DSHS over reaches its authority and takes actions against us. The Senior Citizens Act is not current in providing direction to what is happening in communities. There a lot of younger people who need services. The department is trying to get rid of the last private non profit among the 13 area agencies.

CON: The current system is working quite well, and should stay focused on seniors. It unnecessary to codify disciplinary procedures against area agencies on aging. The department already has steps that are directed in regulation. We do not agree with shifting the financial burden to counties.

Persons Testifying: PRO: State Representative Jim Moeller, 49th District; Mary Lou Ritter, Human Services Council SWAAA.

CON: Elizabeth Brown, SWAAA; Sally Nixon, Wash. Assn. Area Agencies on Aging; Maggie Culbertson, SWAAA; Nicki Thomas, SWAAA; Pat Culver, SWAAA; Jamie Tolfree; Skamania County; Mike Burgess, Clark County.