Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services |
HB 2646
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 Description: Providing certification exemptions and training requirements for certain individual provider long-term care workers.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Tharinger, Harris, Senn, Morrell and Freeman; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/14
Staff: James Kettel (786-7123).
Background:
Long-term care (LTC) workers provide care to elderly and disabled clients, many of whom are eligible for publicly funded services through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). These workers provide personal care assistance (i.e. bathing, eating, toileting, dressing, meal preparation, and household chores) to individuals with developmental disabilities and individuals with other long term care needs.
The services may be provided: (1) by LTC workers employed in various regulated residential settings; or (2) in the client's home by individual providers who contract directly with the DSHS or by agency providers who are employees of a licensed home care agency. A paid individual provider may be a relative or a household member, although the parent of a client who is a minor or the client's spouse may not be a paid individual provider under most programs.
The term "LTC worker" does not include persons employed in nursing homes, hospitals, hospice agencies, or adult day care or day health care centers.
Most LTC workers are required to complete 75 hours of basic training and 12 hours of continuing education every year thereafter. Most LTC workers are also required to pass written and skill demonstration exams to obtain certification as home care aide. Prior to July 1, 2014, an individual provider who provides twenty hours or less of care for one person in any calendar month is exempt from certification requirements for becoming a home care aide.
Summary of Bill:
The certification exemption for individual providers who provide twenty hours or less of care for one person in any calendar month is extended until July 1, 2016. A certification exemption is created for individual providers who only provide respite services and work less than 300 hours in a calendar year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2014.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.