Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 2027

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 the regulation of adult family homes.

Sponsors: Representative Kilduff.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the outdoor areas of assisted living facilities be well-maintained and uncluttered.

  • Requires the Department of Social and Health Services, when conducting an inspection, to interview at least three neighbors of the adult family home with respect to the maintenance of exterior standards.

Hearing Date: 2/15/17

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. Adult family homes must meet facilities standards as well as training requirements for resident managers and caregivers. Among the licensing requirements, an adult family home must keep the external areas in good repair and condition with a safe, comfortable, and homelike environment that is free of hazards. In addition, the outdoor space must be safe and usable for residents.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement that the outdoor areas of adult family homes be accessible for residents is expanded to require accessibility for caregivers, visitors, and fire services. The outdoor areas must also be well-maintained and uncluttered without any accumulation of garbage, debris, or offensive odors.

When conducting an inspection of an adult family home, the Department of Social and Health Services must interview at least three neighborhood residents who live within 500 feet of the adult family home, unless that is impractical because of the home's location. The purpose of the interview is limited to assessing its ability to promote a residential home-like environment within the neighborhood by complying with exterior standards related to a well-maintained and uncluttered outdoor area.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2017.

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