HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2346

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

Allows the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) to issue a provisional license to operate an adult family home in extraordinary circumstances, such as the sudden and unexpected death of a sole provider of an adult family home.
Authorizes the Department to prioritize the processing of an application to operate an adult family home when a provisional license has been issued.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Graves, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, MacEwen, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Slatter, Stonier and Tharinger.

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). The Department may issue a provisional license if a person who is currently licensed to operate an adult family home has applied for a license to operate another currently licensed family home. The provisional license may be issued as long as all components of the application process have been completed, except for the on-site inspection. In the event of a change in ownership or relocation, a person currently licensed to operate an adult family home may request the Department to prioritize the processing of an application of a person seeking to be the new operator of the adult family home.

Summary of Bill:

The time frame for a provisional license is specified as a period up to 12 months without renewal. In addition to issuing a provisional license to operate an adult family home when a currently licensed adult family home provider applies for a license for another adult family home, the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) may issue a provisional license in extraordinary circumstances, such as the sudden and unexpected death of the sole provider of an adult family home.

In addition to prioritizing the processing of an application in the event of a change in ownership, the Department may prioritize the processing of an application to operate an adult family home when a provisional license has been issued.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill prevents people from losing an adult family home license and forcing the residents to have to leave and find alternative arrangements. This bill supports and protects vulnerable adults in adult family homes during ownership changes and minimizes the impact on residents in the event of the unexpected death or incapacitation of a provider. This bill protects clients in an adult family home when the owner becomes incapacitated and also improves the Department of Social and Health Service's (Department) licensing process during times of transition.

This bill allows the priority processing option to be available at times when a sole provider at an adult family home has passed away. This closes the licensure gap between the death of a prior owner and the licensing of a new owner. In the past three years, this affected about 18 homes that were subject to operating without a license, which could have impacted up to 108 residents. This bill allows the Department to respond to extenuating circumstances and protect residents by limiting the time that the adult family home is without a license.

(Opposed) None.