SENATE 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.

As Passed Senate, February 13, 2018

Title: An act relating to priority processing for adult family home license applications.

Brief Description: Concerning priority processing for adult family home license applications.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Keiser, Darneille and Rivers; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/25/18, 1/29/18 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 2/13/18, 47-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to issue a provisional adult family home license in exceptional circumstances.

  • Permits DSHS to prioritize the processing for adult family home change of ownership license applications and for adult family homes that have been issued a provisional license.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Rivers, Ranking Member; Bailey, Becker, Conway, Fain, Keiser, Mullet and Van De Wege.

Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)

Background: An adult family home is a residential home that provides personal care, specialty care, necessary supervision, laundry, and room and board for up to six adults who need long-term care. Adult family homes are licensed by DSHS.

DSHS is authorized to prioritize the processing of license applications for new adult family home providers. A provisional license may be issued when a currently licensed adult family home provider applies to operate a currently licensed adult family home. The provisional license may be issued when all that remains to be completed in the application process is the on-site inspection.

Summary of Bill: DSHS is authorized to issue a provisional license in exceptional circumstances. This includes the sudden and unexpected death of the sole provider of an adult family home. A provisional license may not be used for more than 12 months and is not renewable.

DSHS is authorized to prioritize processing adult family home license applications for a change of ownership or when a provisional license has been issued.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will ensure continuity of care by protecting vulnerable adults and minimizing the impacts to resident when the need for an unexpected licensure transfer occurs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Barbara Bailey, Prime Sponsor; Candace Goehring, Residential Care Services, Aging and Long Term Support Administration.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.