Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

SB 6122

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 long-term planning for developmental disabilities services.

Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Conway, Dammeier, Darneille, Angel, Litzow and McAuliffe.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Makes various legislative findings based on the July 31, 2013, State Auditor's Developmental Disabilities Program Evaluation.

  • Requires that the Developmental Disability Administration identify stakeholders to participate in work groups, at their own expense, and report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature on issues raised by the Auditor's Evaluation by January 1, 2015.

Hearing Date: 2/24/14

Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).

Background:

There are a number of services available to individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington. The Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) provides services such as housing, medical care, personal care, and job training.

Some individuals receive care in Residential Habitation Centers (RHCs) and others receive services in community living situations or their own homes. There are four RHCs in Washington including Lakeland Village, Yakima Valley School, Fircrest School, and Rainer School.

Intermediate Care Facility Services and Medicaid Personal Care services are guaranteed under Medicaid if people meet financial and disability eligibility criteria. However, other services available under the Medicaid waiver for Home and Community Based Services depend on additional eligibility criteria and the availability of funds.

State Auditor's Developmental Disability Program Evaluation.

The State Auditor released a Developmental Disabilities Program Evaluation (Evaluation) on July 31, 2013. This Evaluation reported that of the 35,150 individuals who have applied and are eligible for services, 15,100 are on the waitlist, 7,800 receive partial services, and 12,500 receive full services. Those on the waitlist have been waiting an average of three and a half years. The report found that supporting a client in an RHC incurs twice the average cost of the most expensive community-based residential service option. It found that there are virtually no crisis stabilization programs at the community care level near the majority of clients. It also found that the opportunities for integrated employment depend largely on where a person lives.

The Evaluation also made recommendations that the Legislature set policy that directs the DDA to develop strategies to maximize cost-effective service options and set policy to reduce the number of eligible people awaiting services. It also recommended that the DDA should provide financial incentives to counties to encourage equal access to integrated individual employment for clients regardless of where they live in the state.

Summary of Bill:

The DDA shall identify stakeholders to participate in work groups, at their own expense, to report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by January 1, 2015, on issues raised in the Evaluation. This report must include:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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