Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services |
HB 2647
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: Concerning electronic timekeeping for in-home personal care or respite services.
Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Harris, Tharinger, Cody, 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:
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.
Starting July 1, 2010, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has been prohibited from paying a home care agency for in-home personal care or respite services if the home care agency does not verify the agency employee hours by electronic timekeeping. The 2013-15 State Omnibus Operating Appropriations Act authorized DSHS to establish exemptions to electronic timekeeping requirements for home care agencies to address situations in which a landline is not available.
Summary of Bill:
The authority to establish exemptions to electronic timekeeping requirements for home care agencies, in situations in which a landline is not available, is made permanent.
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.