SENATE BILL REPORT

2SSB 5453

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by  Senators Tanner, Kreidler, Kiskaddon, Stratton, Anderson, Johnson and Moore; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)

Modifying provisions relating to respite care projects.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 11, 1987; February 26, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5453 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                  February 27, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 9, 1987

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5453 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Craswell, Deccio, Fleming, Hayner, Kreidler, Lee, McDonald, Moore, Owen, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Suzanne Petersen (786-7715)

                  April 17, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1984 as part of the long-term care services provided for disabled adults, the Legislature authorized the Department of Social and Health Services to establish demonstration projects on respite care services.  Respite care services provide relief and support to family, or other unpaid caregivers, of disabled adults, as assistance to encourage an alternative to institutionalization.  The usual caregiver is given a break from providing care while temporary care is provided.  The state charges for services on a sliding scale.

Through the Governor's 1987-89 budget request, the Department is seeking funding to expand the respite care program.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature reaffirms its policy to explore alternatives to institutional care for disabled adults and to maintain individuals at the highest possible level of independent living.  The provisions of the long-term care system are specified to provide cost-effective in-home care, case management services, counseling and referral.

Financial eligibility is determined solely on the ability of the participant.  Consideration of the caregiver's financial status is removed.  A maximum of 576 hours per year of respite care services are available to each participant.  The requirement that all the hours of respite be used up within a 24-day period is removed.

Respite care services shall be provided statewide through the local Area Agencies on Aging.

The Department of Social and Health Services shall conduct a study comparing the cost effectiveness of respite services with other services intended to forestall institutionalization of disabled adults.  The Department shall also make recommendations on the inclusion of respite services under the programs of the Senior Citizens Act.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS: Ralph Smith, DSHS, Bureau of Aging and Adult Services; Frank Winslow, Alzheimer Society of Washington; Sister Sharon Park, Senior Citizen Lobby; Fred Mills, American Association of Retired Persons; Kathleen Clark, Washington State Dietetic Association; Dennis Mahar, Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging; Karen McCarthy, Catholic Community Services; Ole Brekke, Brinnon Senior Organization

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  No one

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The long-term care policy to explore alternatives to institutional care for disabled adults is deleted.  The authority for providing respite care terminates July 1, 1989.

The requirement that the Department study a comparison of the cost effectiveness of respite services with other services intended to forestall institutionalization and make recommendations on inclusion of respite care under the Senior Citizen's Act is deleted.