FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5288

                                  C 102 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Smitherman, Halsan and Warnke)

Providing reimbursement for institutional care employees of the department of veterans affairs who are victims of assault.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committe on Human Services

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

On numerous occasions, employees of state institutions have been assaulted by residents.  These employees have been required to use sick leave or to accept the lesser compensation rate provided under workers' compensation.  The 1981 Legislature provided for a program to reimburse institutional care employees of the Department of Corrections (DOC) for costs related to these assaults.  The program was extended to Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) employees in 1986.

The following must have occurred for compensation to be paid:  (1) As a result of an assault by a resident or patient, the employee must be injured so as to miss days of work; (2) the assault cannot be attributable to the employee's negligence, misconduct, or failure to comply with any rules or conditions of employment; and (3) the employee's compensation application must be approved.  Full reimbursement is authorized for each work day missed, up to 365 consecutive days.  Any compensation made under industrial insurance must be supplemented to the level of the employee's wage.

SUMMARY:

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are victims of assault by residents of the state veterans' homes are entitled to the same compensation as currently provided for DSHS and DOC employees.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    48     0

      House 96   0

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987