SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5962

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.

Background: The Developmental Disabilities Administration within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides support and services to persons with developmental disabilities. Services include case management, needs assessments, support in activities of daily living, employment, and rehabilitative therapies. DSHS also provides medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services to persons with developmental disabilities. Services may be provided in three different service settings: in the client's own home; in a community residential home; or in a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC). Washington operates four RHCs which are established in statute to provide services and housing for persons with developmental disabilities: Rainier School in Buckley; Lakeland Village in Medical Lake; Fircrest School in Shoreline; and Yakima Valley School in Selah. Another facility located in Bremerton, Francis Haddon Morgan, was closed on December 31, 2011.

Yakima Valley School was designated as a Nursing Facility in 1994. Currently, about 260 direct care and support staff provide 24-hour nursing care, a full spectrum of clinical and therapeutic programs, and recreation and activities to about 108 individuals who reside on campus. Yakima Valley School also offers planned respite services, which include medical, nursing, dental, therapeutic, dietary, psychiatric, and recreation programs. Beginning on August 24, 2011, new admissions, other than short-term respite or crisis stabilization services, have not been permitted to Yakima Valley School. Yakima Valley School continues to operate until the number of permanent residents reaches 16 people.

Summary of Bill: References to the now-closed Francis Haddon Morgan are removed from statute. The restrictions on Yakima Valley School relating to not accepting new admissions and operating until the population reaches 16 persons is removed, thereby opening Yakima Valley School to new admissions. DSHS must continue to provide respite services in RHCs and continue to develop respite care in the community so that clients are able to access services where they choose.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The care people with developmental disabilities receive in community settings is concerning. Facilities like Yakima Valley School provide services that cannot be found in the community. People with developmental disabilities require consistent, reliable care to be healthy. The RHCs provide essential care for people who are not verbal. RHCs are no more costly than other options available across the state. The language in this bill is a product of the Developmental Disabilities Service System Task Force and was part of a bill introduced last year by members of that taskforce. Washington does not meet the needs of its developmental disabled population. Some people who are not served have dire needs. This bill continues needed services and will provide better access to respite care. Using these facilities optimally will help families, especially those with children who are affected by a sibling with a developmental disability. RHCs provide the full spectrum of care and the right care needed for their clients. They have the most service options.

CON: We need more reliance on community care. People do not want to go to Yakima Valley School for respite, they want care in their local communities. Families want to be served in their communities and want short-term respite. Yakima Valley School is not set up for crisis services and these are the services that we need in the community. Choice for families is paramount. Families want respite in their communities and in their own homes. We need to make sure that choice is available for all people. The institutions should be closed and people should be served in the community.

Persons Testifying: PRO: John Mahaney, Becky Scholl, Julianne Moore, Friends of Yakima Valley School; Rick Jensen, Paul Strand, Action for the Developmentally Disabled; Saskia Davis, ActionDD; Lindsey Grad, Service Employees International Union Healthcare 1199NW.

CON: Sue Elliott, The Arc of WA State; Darla Helt, WA State Parent Coalition; Emily Rogers, Self Advocates in Leadership; Mike Raymond, Self Advocates of WA; Robert Wardell, David Lord, Disability Rights WA.