HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1362

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 History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/12/13, 2/15/13 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services to establish exemptions to electronic timekeeping requirements for home care agencies to address situations in which a landline phone is not available.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Manweller, Morrell, Riccelli, Ross, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

Background:

Home care agencies provide home care services to individuals in their places of residence. Home care services are nonmedical services and assistance provided to ill, disabled, or vulnerable individuals to allow them to remain in their residences. These services include personal care for the individual, homemaker assistance with household tasks, respite care assistance and support for the family, and other nonmedical services or delegated nursing tasks.

Since July 1, 2010, the Department of Social and Health Services has been prohibited from paying home care agencies for in-home personal care or respite services if the home care agency does not verify the agency employee hours by electronic timekeeping.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services may establish exemptions to electronic timekeeping requirements for home care agencies to address situations in which a landline phone is not available.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Every agency has adopted electronic timekeeping as well as methods for documenting hours when electronic timekeeping is not available. Sometimes when a client does not have a land line available or a work shift begins somewhere other than the home, electronic timekeeping is not an option. Current law is very prescriptive and does not allow for any flexibility in these situations. Without an exception, the Department of Social and Health Services is at risk for an audit. This bill will give authority to adopt a limited exception. When electronic timekeeping was put in place, it was a smart reform and saved money that allowed the state to protect money for home care services, but a limited exception process makes sense. This flexibility will help create an intended benefit of this program and still help retain the savings of the original legislation. This bill has broad support.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Bill Moss, Department of Social and Health Services; Misha Werschkul, Service Employees International Union 775 NW; and Roy Walker, Olympic Area Agency on Aging.