SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6662
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 of January 22, 2010
Title: An act relating to developing a curriculum for a career track for home care aides.
Brief Description: Regarding developing a curriculum for a career track for home care aides.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Roach, Kastama, Keiser, Zarelli and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 1/22/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: Beginning January 1, 2010, for individual providers represented by an exclusive bargaining representative, all required training and peer mentoring is provided by a training partnership. The training partnership provides reports as required by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) verifying that all individual providers have complied with all training requirements. The exclusive bargaining representative must designate the training partnership.
DSHS must also offer, directly or through contract, training opportunities sufficient for long-term care workers to accumulate 70 hours of training within a reasonable time period. For individual providers represented by an exclusive bargaining representative, the training opportunities must be offered through the training partnership. While DSHS may not require long-term care workers to obtain the advanced training, the requirement to offer it applies beginning January 1, 2012.
Summary of Bill: The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges solicits proposals from community and technical colleges to develop and adapt curriculum for up to three existing degree and certificate programs in health care, social services, and special education to be used as part of career tracks for incumbent home care aides. The curriculum must include credit for prior learning and must integrate best practices for working adults. Once developed, the curriculum must be made available statewide.
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: PRO: The state always needs to provide career advancement avenues for entry level workers. New career pathways are very important to help people advance into family wage jobs. This will help stabilize the health care workforce.
OTHER: Boarding home providers are a key component to incumbent training, so they should be included in the effort. This may not be the appropriate time to be starting new programs without a proven demand. This is premature given that the training partnership efforts are just getting started.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Kristin Ockert, SBCTC; Peter Nazzal, Catholic Community Services; Charissa Raynor, SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership; Maddy Thompson, WTECB.
OTHER: Julie Peterson, Aging Services of Washington; Leslie Emerica, Home Care Assoc. of Washington.