HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6113

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) Sooner or later there will be a shortage of facilities for long-term care. This bill will make it timely for people to transfer ownership without lag time and prevent residents from having to leave the facility. This bill will allow facilities to transfer a license as quickly as possible, in the event of the death of an adult family home owner. This bill supports protecting vulnerable adults in adult family homes in cases of the unexpected death or incapacitation of the adult family home's provider. This bill promotes the continuity of care for vulnerable adults during an unexpected licensure transition. This bill allows the Department of Social and Health Services to do a priority processing when there is a ready and qualified provider able to step in so that the home will remain licensed and the residents can continue to live in the adult family home without disruption to their care.

(Opposed) None.