SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5228

BYSenators Stratton, Deccio, Sellar, Anderson, Kiskaddon and Tanner; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

Requiring reports of abuse of developmentally disabled persons.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5228 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  January 30, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, JANUARY 29, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Under current law (Chapter 26.44 RCW), it is mandatory for specified professionals to report abuse or neglect of children and adult dependent persons.  An adult dependent person is defined as one who requires a court appointed guardian.  However, most developmentally disabled persons have not been determined to need a guardian.  This construction of the law effectively exempts all professionals dealing with these developmentally disabled persons from the statutory mandate to report cases of abuse or neglect.

SUMMARY:

The statute requiring the reporting and investigation of episodes of abuse or neglect of children and adult dependent persons is broadened to require the reporting and investigation of abuse of all developmentally disabled persons.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Language changes to make the Act gender neutral are included.

Senate Committee - Testified: Aaron Lowin, DSHS, Division of Developmental Disabilities

Fiscal Note:      available