AN ACT Relating to individuals receiving both employment and community access services; and amending RCW 71A.12.290.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1.  RCW 71A.12.290 and 2012 c 49 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((Clients age twenty-one and older who are receiving employment services must be offered the choice to transition to a community access program after nine months of enrollment in an employment program, and the option to transition from a community access program to an employment program at any time. Enrollment in an employment program begins at the time the client is authorized to receive employment.

(3))) Clients of the department age twenty-one and older must have access to both employment services and community access services that are person-centered and appropriate for the needs of the individual client. Services may include a variety of supports and providers that will enable individuals to have greater access to their community, regardless of the degree of each client's disability. Clients must have access to a schedule of twenty or more hours of participation in the community per week, actual hours based on each client's person-centered plan.

(2) The department shall inform clients and their legal representatives of all available options for employment and day services((, including the opportunity to request an exception from enrollment in an employment program)). Information provided to the client and the client's legal representative must include the types of activities each service option provides, and the amount, scope, and duration of service for which the client would be eligible under each service option. ((An individual client may be authorized for only one service option, either employment services or community access services. Clients may not participate in more than one of these services at any given time.

(4))) (3) The department shall work with counties and stakeholders to strengthen and expand ((the existing community access program, including the consideration of options that allow for alternative service settings outside of the client's residence. The program should emphasize support for the clients so that they are able to participate in activities that integrate them into their community and support independent living and skills.

(5) The department shall develop rules to allow for an exception to the requirement that a client participate in an employment program for nine months prior to transitioning to a community access program)) employment services and other community access services. Community access services should emphasize supports and activities that increase community involvement, maintain or improve skills and independence, and meet the diversity of person-centered needs.

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