SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6422
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 of February 5, 2014
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: Senators Becker and Keiser; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/04/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
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. In response to concerns that landline phones are not always available, the Legislature included a budget proviso in the 2013-15 operating budget that permitted DSHS to establish limited exemption criteria when a landline phone is not available to home care agency employees. The budget proviso permitting this exemption expires June 2015.
Summary of Bill: DSHS may pay a home care agency for in-home personal care or respite services if electronic verification is not possible and the home care agency so verifies.
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: Under current law, DSHS cannot pay for hours worked unless the hours are verified through electronic timekeeping. There are situations when electronic timekeeping is not available such as during power outages or if the employee starts or ends their day offsite. This was part of the operating budget last year, and would put a permanent fix into law.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Peter Nazelle, Catholic Community Services; Jerry Reilly, Eldercare Alliance; Bill Moss, DSHS.