SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5288

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5288 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  March 11, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1987

BACKGROUND:

On numerous occasions, employees of state institutions have been assaulted by residents.  These employees have been required to use their own sick leave or to accept the lesser compensation rate provided under workers' compensation.

The 1981 Legislature provided for a supplementary program to be created to reimburse institutional care employees of DOC for costs related to these assaults.  The program was extended to 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.

SUMMARY:

Language is added to the statutes which gives employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs the same benefits for assault injuries as are currently provided for DSHS and DOC employees.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: John Reynolds, Acting Director, Department of Veterans Affairs; Mark Brown, Washington Federation of State Employees