HB 1546

Brief Description: Concerning people with disabilities who receive no paid services from the department of social and health services' division of developmental disabilities.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Johnson, Walsh, Kagi, Roberts, Smith, Zeiger, Upthegrove, Freeman, Appleton, Ryu, Morrell, Jinkins, Bergquist and Pollet.

Hearing Date: 2/14/13

Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092).

Background:

No Paid Services Case Load.

Beginning in January 2011, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) no longer provided case management services for clients who did not receive a paid service. The clients on the "no paid services" case load are eligible for services but do not receive them. In a report issued in January 2012, the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) estimated that the "no paid services" case load was in excess of 16,000 persons. More than half of the persons who were surveyed for the report indicated that they needed a service immediately, and the most requested service was for respite care. Respite care allows a trained person, staff, family or friends to provide care for a client of the DDD so that the caregiver may be relieved for a short or extended period of time.

The DDC and the DDD collaborate on the Informing Families/Building Trust Communication Project to provide information about the developmental disabilities system to persons who are on the "no paid services" case load.

According to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), approximately 50 percent of the clients on the "no paid services" case load were enrolled in Medicaid, and approximately 16 percent of the clients had undergone an assessment to determine which services they needed. The services most requested by those who had "no paid services" were family support, personal care, and respite.

Caseload Forecast Council.

The Washington State Caseload Forecast Council (Council) is charged with forecasting the entitlement caseloads for the state. The Council meets several times per year to adopt official forecasts, which are then used as a basis for biennial and supplemental appropriations. Currently, the Council forecasts the DDD personal care services and community residential services. Funding for these services is increased or reduced depending upon the forecasted caseload and the per capita costs for the services.

Summary of Bill:

Case Managers.

The DSHS must hire the necessary number of case managers to conduct assessments to determine the level of needs for those who ask for services and those who may appear eligible for Medicaid Personal Care.

Respite Services.

The DSHS must provide respite care for individuals on the "no paid services" case load within funds provided by the Legislature, as follows:

• 4,000 individuals for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2014; and

• 4,000 individuals for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015.

Respite services must be prioritized based upon client need and caregiver stress. Funding for respite care may not exceed $4,000 per individual per year, and the allocation must be determined on an annual basis. The funding must be provided in a flexible manner, and persons receiving respite care must account for the use of funds to their case manager.

Washington State Caseload Forecast Council.

The Council must forecast the population of the "no paid services" case load for the DDD.

Informing Families/Building Trust Communication Project.

The DSHS must expand the Informing Families/Building Trust Communication Project to provide information to individuals and families about the developmental disabilities system.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.