FINAL BILL REPORT
ESB 5646
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. |
C 19 L 17 E 3
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning services provided by residential habilitation centers.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, King, Chase, Keiser and Conway.
Senate Committee on Health Care
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services
Background: The Developmental Disabilities Administration within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides support and services to persons with developmental disabilities. Services include case management, needs assessments, support in activities of daily living, employment, and rehabilitative therapies. DSHS also provides medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services to persons with developmental disabilities. Services may be provided in three different service settings: in the client's own home; in a community residential home; or in a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC). Washington operates four RHCs which are established in statute to provide services and housing for persons with developmental disabilities: Rainier School in Buckley; Lakeland Village in Medical Lake; Fircrest School in Shoreline; and Yakima Valley School in Selah. Another facility located in Bremerton, Francis Haddon Morgan, was closed on December 31, 2011.
Yakima Valley School was designated as a Nursing Facility in 1994. Currently, about 260 direct care and support staff provide 24-hour nursing care, a full spectrum of clinical and therapeutic programs, and recreation and activities to about 108 individuals who reside on campus. Yakima Valley School also offers planned respite services, which include medical, nursing, dental, therapeutic, dietary, psychiatric, and recreation programs. Beginning on August 24, 2011, new admissions, other than short-term respite or crisis stabilization services, have not been permitted to Yakima Valley School. Yakima Valley School continues to operate until the number of permanent residents reaches 16 people.
Summary: References to the now-closed Francis Haddon Morgan are removed from statute. Yakima Valley School is to cease operating as an RHC when its census reaches eight persons, rather than 16 persons. The requirement that two cottages be converted to state-operated living alternatives as part of the closure plan is also removed. Rather than require Yakima Valley School to operate crisis stabilization and respite service beds at the bed capacity permitted on June 1, 2011, Yakima Valley School must operate crisis stabilization and respite service beds as the needs of the DSHS-identified catchment area or as emergency placement needs require. This requirement is subject to appropriation.
The existing requirement that DSHS establish state-operated living alternatives is to be made within funds provided in the omnibus appropriations act. DSHS must continue to provide respite services in RHCs and continue to develop respite care in the community.
No new long-term admissions to Yakima Valley School are permitted.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 1 |
Third Special Session
Senate | 46 | 1 | |
House | 93 | 1 |
Effective: | October 19, 2017 |