FINAL BILL REPORT

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.

Senate Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health & Housing

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) operates the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island and two secure community transition facilities which house persons who have been committed by superior court as sexually violent predators. DSHS is responsible for providing medical care, either directly or by arrangement with other public or private agencies, for residents who are committed to these facilities.

A sexually violent predator is a person who has been convicted of or charged with a crime of sexual violence and who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder which makes the person likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence if not confined in a secure facility.

Summary: DSHS may act on behalf of a resident who is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator for the purpose of applying for Medicare and Medicaid benefits, veteran's health benefits, or other health care benefits or reimbursement available as a result of participation in a health care exchange under the Affordable Care Act.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	1
House	89	8