Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 2359
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning delaying the implementation date for peer mentoring for long-term care workers.
Sponsors: Representative Cody.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 4/16/09
Staff: Carma Matti (786-7140)
Background:
Various programs in the Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) Aging and Adult Services and Developmental Disabilities divisions provide personal care services to clients who are elderly or disabled and are eligible for publicly funded services. Personal care services include assistance with various tasks such as toileting, bathing, dressing, ambulating, meal preparation, and household chores. These services may be provided in the client's home by long-term care workers, who include individual providers contracting directly with the DSHS and employees of licensed home care agencies.
In 2007, legislation was enacted to address training opportunities for long-term care workers. The training opportunities included a peer mentoring system. Long-term care workers must be offered on-the-job training or peer mentorship for at least one hour per week in the first 90 days of work. The mentor must be a long-term care worker who has completed 12 hours of mentor training and is mentoring no more than 10 other workers. This peer mentoring requirement applies to long-term care workers who begin work on or after January 1, 2010.
Summary of Bill:
The requirement to offer on-the-job training or peer mentoring to long-term care workers begins July 1, 2011, instead of January 1, 2010.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on April 15, 2009.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.