SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5728
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 of February 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to the establishment of a training network for adult family homes.
Brief Description: Concerning the establishment of a training network for adult family homes.
Sponsors: Senators Walsh, Conway, Keiser, Rivers, Wilson, C. and Becker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/20/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
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. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) licenses and regulates adult family homes, which includes verifying staff of adult family homes meet certain training requirements. Adult family home providers or resident managers must complete 75 hours of training before providing care to residents. Adult family home long-term care workers are required to complete 75 hours of training within 120 days of hire. This does not include specialty training requirements which are required for staff of adult family homes that service individuals with dementia, developmental disabilities, or mental health needs. Adult family homes providers, resident managers, and long-term care workers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year.
DSHS also contracts with adult family homes to provide personal care services to Medicaid long-term services and supports clients. DSHS and the adult family homes' exclusive bargaining representative collectively bargain every two years to establish the adult family home contract.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): If DSHS contracts with any adult family home to provide personal care services, and the adult family home is represented by an exclusive bargaining representative, the staff training required for all adult family homes must be available through an adult family home training network. Adult family home training network means a nonprofit organization, joint partnership, or trust established by the adult family homes' exclusive bargaining representative with the capacity to provide training, workforce development, and other services to adult family homes.
Funding for the adult family home training network must be provided through a collective bargaining agreement. For the 2019-2021 biennium, the funding must be within the amount appropriated for the 2019-2021 collective bargaining agreement. The adult family home training network must provide the necessary reports to DSHS to verify providers have complied with all training requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 16, 2019.
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 on Proposed Substitute: PRO: Adult family homes already have workforce shortages and there are significant barriers for them getting access to the necessary training to meet the requirements. The training network will help grow more facility based training, create more jobs, and ensure the homes are able to access the training they need within the appropriate timeframes.
OTHER: The funds provided for this should not be through the collective bargaining agreement. They should be provided in a transparent way that offers more oversight.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Maureen Walsh, Prime Sponsor; John Ficker, Adult Family Home Council. OTHER: Maxford Nelsen, Freedom Foundation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.