Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SSB 5877

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: Concerning due process for adult family home licensees.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators O'Ban, Angel, Padden, Pearson, Rivers, Warnick and Darneille).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to hold a hearing within 30 days of any order regarding license suspension, stop placement orders, or conditions for continuation of an adult family home.

Hearing Date: 3/20/15

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Adult family homes are community-based facilities licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care. These homes provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, and nursing services. Adult family homes are licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) and must meet facility standards as well as requirements for training resident managers and caregivers. Staff of adult family homes who are employed as long-term care workers must meet specific training requirements and, in some instances, become certified as home care aides. In addition, adult family homes must meet requirements related to care and service standards, food service, medications, quality of life, and building standards.

If an adult family home fails to comply with licensing requirements, operates without a license, knowingly makes a false statement on an application or in an investigation, or willfully prevents or interferes with any inspection or investigation, the Department may deny an application for a license, impose reasonable conditions on a license, impose civil penalties, order stop placement, or suspend or revoke a license. Sanctions related to the suspension of a license, a stop placement order, or conditions placed upon a license take effect immediately and continue pending a final administrative decision.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services must hold a hearing within 30 days of issuing an adult family home an order imposing a license suspension, stop placement, or conditions for the continuation of a license.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.