BILL REQ. #:  S-5320.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/08/08.   

     AN ACT Relating to providing background checks to home care agencies; and adding new sections to chapter 43.20A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:
     (1) At the request of a home care, home health, or hospice agency licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW unless otherwise prohibited by law, the department shall provide information in the possession of the department's background check central unit stating whether a home care aide, home health care aide, or applicant is the subject of the following:
     (a) A civil adjudication proceeding finding of, or upholding an agency finding of, domestic violence, abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, financial exploitation, or misappropriation of resident funds or property, under any applicable chapter including but not limited to chapters 13.34, 18.51, 18.130, 26.44, 26.50, 74.34, and 74.42 RCW, or rules adopted under these or other applicable chapters;
     (b) A final finding by adult protective services, resident protection, or supported living program; or
     (c) A final finding by child protective services.
     (2) The department shall provide the requested information with reasonable promptness, and may charge a reasonable fee for the costs of this service.
     (3) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:
     Unless permitted by law, or an authorized written release is provided, the department shall not release substantive information about the nature of the civil adjudication proceedings findings.