SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2310

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Riccelli, Cody, Green, Van De Wege, Tharinger, Morrell, Johnson, Parker, Stonier, Reykdal, Jinkins and Kochmar).

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) provides publicly funded personal care services to eligible clients who live in their own home and are elderly or have developmental disabilities. Personal care services include assistance with various tasks such as toileting, bathing, dressing, ambulating, meal preparation, and household chores. There are two ways in which personal care services may be provided in the client's home: (1) by an individual provider; or (2) by an employee of a home care agency (agency provider). Individual providers are hired and supervised by the client they care for and are paid through a direct contract with the Department.

Summary of Bill: The Department must coordinate with the Health Care Authority (Authority) to assist Medicaid clients in accessing gloves as part of their health benefit for use by their individual providers. The agencies' assistance must facilitate access to gloves on a monthly basis that is consistent with federal matching fund requirements under Medicaid. The Department must work with the Authority to develop a methodology for non-Medicaid clients to receive gloves on a monthly basis and in a cost-effective and easy-to-access manner.