SENATE 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.

Title: An act relating to electronic timekeeping for in-home personal care or respite services.

Brief Description: Concerning electronic timekeeping for in-home personal care or respite services.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Morrell and Schmick; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) pays home care agencies for in-home personal care or respite services. DSHS must by law verify the agency employee hours by electronic timekeeping. Electronic timekeeping means an electronic, verifiable method of recording an employee's presence in the client's home at the beginning and end of the employee's client visit. The method used for verification requires the use of a landline phone but landlines are not always available.

Summary of Bill: DSHS is authorized to draft rules to establish limited exemption criteria for electronic timekeeping when a landline phone is not available.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple correction to a problem we created with the past legislation to allow DSHS to recognize an exception. All homecare agencies document the hours worked and have a method when the landline is not available. This change will help us put the exception process in rule and reduce our audit risks. The electronic timekeeping is important for record keeping for the federal match and the exception will ensure we have the documentation when there is no landline.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Cody, prime sponsor; Bill Moss, DSHS Aging Services; Jerry Reilly, WA Homecare Assn.