BILL REQ. #:  Z-0278.3 

Read first time 04/09/11.   Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     AN ACT Relating to the contribution rate for the health care benefits for certain home care workers; amending RCW 74.39A.310; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.39A.310 and 2007 c 361 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall create a formula that converts the cost of the increase in wages and benefits negotiated and funded in the contract for individual providers of home care services pursuant to RCW 74.39A.270 and 74.39A.300, into a per-hour amount, excluding those benefits defined in subsection (2) of this section. That per-hour amount shall be added to the statewide home care agency vendor rate and shall be used exclusively for improving the wages and benefits of home care agency workers who provide direct care. The formula shall account for:
     (a) All types of wages, benefits, and compensation negotiated and funded each biennium, including but not limited to:
     (i) Regular wages;
     (ii) Benefit pay, such as vacation, sick, and holiday pay;
     (iii) Taxes on wages/benefit pay;
     (iv) Mileage; and
     (v) Contributions to a training partnership; and
     (b) The increase in the average cost of worker's compensation for home care agencies and application of the increases identified in (a) of this subsection to all hours required to be paid, including travel time, of direct service workers under the wage and hour laws and associated employer taxes.
     (2) The contribution rate for health care benefits((, including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision benefits,)) for ((eligible)) participating agency home care workers who work for state-funded personal care or respite clients at least eighty-six hours per month shall be paid by the department to the home care ((agencies at the same rate as negotiated and funded in the collective bargaining agreement for individual providers of home care services)) agency to purchase health coverage in an amount set out in the omnibus appropriations act and any amendment or additions made to that act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2011.