SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6182

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:

Ways & Means, March 3, 2010

Title: An act relating to residential habilitation centers.

Brief Description: Concerning residential habilitation centers.

Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Prentice and Tom.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/18/09, 3/03/10 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Tom, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Fairley, Hobbs, Keiser, Kline, McDermott, Parlette, Pflug, Regala and Rockefeller.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Carrell, Honeyford and Schoesler.

Staff: Megan Atkinson (786-7446)

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) currently operates five residential habilitation centers (RHCs). These state-operated residential facilities provide 24-hour supervised care for individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition the facilities provide habilitation training and medical/nursing services for residents, offer short-term stays for eligible clients, and in some instances offer subsidized professional and recreational facilities and services to the community.

RHC residents are individuals with developmental disabilities who are assessed as needing 24-hour support in a structured residential facility. All Washington RHC's are either an Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded, a skilled nursing facility, or both.

The five RHCs are Lakeland Village located in Spokane County; Rainier school located in Pierce County; Yakima Valley School located in Yakima County; Fircrest School located in King County; and Frances Hadden Morgan Children's Center located in Kitsap County. In October 2008 the total number of clients in all five RHCs was 950.

Summary of Bill: The listing of specific RHCs is removed from statute. DSHS is provided with authority to provide residential and habilitation services through RHCs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: No public hearing was held.

Persons Testifying: N/A.