Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Judiciary Committee |
HB 1417
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. |
Title: An act relating to the office of public guardianship.
Brief Description: Concerning the office of public guardianship.
Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Rodne, Pedersen and Morrell.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/09
Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180)
Background:
In 2007, the Legislature established an Office of Public Guardianship (Office) to provide public guardianship services to incapacitated individuals who need the services of a guardian and for whom adequate services may be otherwise unavailable. Initial implementation of the public guardianship program is on a pilot basis in the counties of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Okanogan, Pierce and Spokane.
The Office contracts with individuals and organizations to provide guardianship services where there is no one else qualified, willing and able to serve. To be eligible for a public guardian, individuals must have incomes less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level or be receiving long-term care services through the Department of Social and Health Services.
A public guardian must be certified by the Certified Professional Guardian Board and must meet minimum standards of practice adopted by the Office. Any entity that provides professional guardianship services may not be compensated for services if the entity is serving more than 20 incapacitated persons per certified professional guardian.
The Office is authorized to provide guardianship training to individuals that the Office contracts with to provide public guardian services. The Office does not have the authority to provide training to other individuals.
The Governor vetoed a provision of the 2007 legislation that created a Public Guardianship Advisory Committee to review the activities of the Office and make recommendations on issues relating to the provision of public guardianship services. However, references to the advisory committee remain in provisions of the public guardianship statute.
Summary of Bill:
The Office of Public Guardianship may provide training to individuals who, in the judgment of the administrator of the Office, are likely to provide public guardianship services in the future.
References to the advisory committee that was vetoed by the Governor are removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.