Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 2344

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 Summary of Bill

Removes the prohibition on nonambulatory residents of adult family homes residing above the first floor and directs the Department of Social and Health services to establish evacuation standards for adult family homes.

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). Adult family homes must meet facility standards as well as training requirements for resident managers and caregivers. Among the licensing requirements, an adult family home must have an emergency evacuation plan that includes a fire drill plan and procedures for the evacuation of all residents. Nonambulatory residents may not live above the first floor of the home and adult family homes may not admit residents who cannot be safely evacuated. Department regulations require that adult family homes be able to evacuate all residents from the home within five minutes. In addition, each resident's assessment, preliminary care plan, and negotiated care plan must identify the resident's ability to evacuate the home according to whether the resident can evacuate independently or with assistance.

Summary of Bill:

The prohibition on keeping nonambulatory residents above the first floor of an adult family home is removed. Standards for evacuating residents from adult family homes are to be established by the Department of Social and Health Services in rule.