Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services Committee |
HB 2664
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 supported living vendor rates.
Sponsors: Representatives Roberts, Liias, McCune, O'Brien and Warnick.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/10
Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092).
Background:
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Supported Living Services, within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), offers instruction and support to persons with developmental disabilities who live in their own homes in the community. Clients who receive supported living services are 18 years of age or older, and they have been assessed as needing supported living services to meet their health and welfare needs.
Support services may vary from a few hours per month up to 24 hours per day of one-on-one support. Clients pay their own rent, food, and other personal expenses, and the DDD contracts with private agencies to provide supported living services. These services are also offered by the State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) program, which is a supported living service offered by state employees.
Services provided may include: alternative living services, dental services, child development services, community access services, employment, family services, and nursing and/or therapeutic services.
Rates for the supported living providers are determined for each individual client based upon the number of direct care staff hours needed to meet the client's assessed needs. Staff hours are paid at a pre-determined benchmark rate specific to county categories: Metropolitan Services Areas (MSA), Non-MSAs, and King County. In addition to the direct staff rate, an Indirect Client Support/Administrative rate is applied. A client transportation rate is calculated, and for agencies that provide lodging for overnight staff usage, a rate for the lodging cost is included. All rates are reviewed by the Cost Reimbursement Analyst and approved by the Residential Program Manager and the Division Director.
Summary of Bill:
Whenever the vendor rates for supported living providers are established, the Legislature must reduce the disparity of the vendor rates between King County and Snohomish County until those vendor rates are equal.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.