Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
SB 5693
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. |
Brief Description: Authorizing the department of social and health services special commitment center to seek eligibility and reimbursement for health care costs covered by federal medicare, medicaid, and veterans health benefits.
Sponsors: Senators Miloscia, Darneille, Fraser and O'Ban; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/16/15
Staff: James Kettel (786-7123).
Background:
A Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) suffers from a mental abnormality, or personality disorder, and has been convicted of, or charged with, a sexually violent offense. A SVP is likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence if not confined to a secure facility. When it appears that a person may meet the criteria of a SVP, a prosecuting agency may file a petition to confine the person alleged as a SVP. If a person is found at trial beyond a reasonable doubt to be a SVP, then the state is authorized under the Community Protection Act of 1990 to involuntarily commit the person to a total confinement facility on McNeil Island, called the Special Commitment Center (SCC), for an indefinite period of time.
The individual is held in total confinement until: (a) the individual's condition has so changed that the individual no longer meets the definition of a SVP; or (b) the court orders the person's conditional release to a less-restrictive alternative placement. During the period of total confinement, the SCC is responsible for outpatient care, inpatient care, prescription drugs, and other medical care for residents.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized to act on behalf of a civilly committed resident of the Special Commitment Center for the purposes of applying for Medicare, Medicaid, veterans health benefits, or other health care benefits available as a result of participation in a health care exchange.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.