SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1849

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Cantwell, Brooks, Braddock, Silver, Bristow, Grant, Sayan, Day, Dellwo, Lewis, Winsley, Fuhrman, Moyer, Doty, D. Sommers, Brekke and Brough)

Revising the office of the state long-term care ombudsman.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 24, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Federal law requires all states to operate an ombudsman program to investigate and resolve complaints regarding the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents of long-term care facilities.  It also provides public education, trains volunteers to participate in ombudsman programs, and acts as an advocate for the long-term care residents during the implementation of public policy affecting long-term care facilities.

The state long-term care ombudsman program is currently administered by the Department of Social and Health Services.

SUMMARY:

The Long-term Care Ombudsman program is transferred out of the department and the state government, and placed in an autonomous entity that will conduct its duties by contract.  The Department of Community Development will act as the administrator for the contracted program.  The relocation of the state long-term care program will become effective July 1, 1989.

Prior to the transfer of the program, a survey and analysis will be conducted by the House of Representatives.  The survey will identify the operational and administrative components necessary for a successful contracted program. The survey must be submitted to the governor and the Legislature by December 30th, 1988.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Federal funds currently given to DSHS to operate the ombudsman program will be transferred to the Department of Community Development.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 26, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Marie Cantwell, prime sponsor (for); Jule Sugarman, Secretary of DSHS (against); Dr. Jess Sprelloltz (against); Esther Stohl, Senior Citizen Lobby (for); Ed Foscue, United Blind of Washington State (for); Ruth Heinemann, Washington State Nursing Home Family Council (for); Jane Boyajian, DSHS (against); Diana Shabro (for); Elizabeth Sprenjer, Coalitian for Advocacy and Protection of Long Term Care Residents (against); Frank Winslow, Alzheimer Society of Washington (for); Jeanne Moeller, Sea-King Council (for); Paul Menzel, Long Term Care Advisory Board (against); Ruth Ingall, Sea-King Council (for); Elanore Owen (for); Sarah Ross, Volunteer Ombudsman (for)