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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health Care, February 25, 2014
Title: An act relating to safety equipment for individual providers.
Brief Description: Concerning safety equipment for individual providers.
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).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/14, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/24/14, 2/25/14 [w/oRec-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Majority Report: That it be referred without recommendation and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Pedersen, Ranking Member; Angel, Bailey, Cleveland, Keiser and Parlette.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a Medicaid benefit that is already available to clients. The issue is that most clients do not know the benefit is available and they have been buying these products out of pocket. The work of individual providers requires gloves and this will assist them in their work. This has broad bipartisan support. The Department is working with stakeholders to ensure smooth access to gloves, which currently is an underutilized benefit.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Riccelli, prime sponsor; Steve Breaux, Service Employees International Union Healthcare 775NW; Bea Rector, Dept. of Social and Health Services.