SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5603

BYSenators Kreidler, Deccio and Stratton

Requiring support services in addition to habilitation services for developmentally disabled persons.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987; March 4, 1987; March 5, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5603 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                  March 9, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Individuals with developmental disabilities, a term which includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism and other conditions, are provided services through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  Proponents consider this legislation necessary to provide statutory authority and legislative intent for community services, especially since the vast majority of the clients of the DSHS Division of Developmental Disabilities are living in the community.

To address the problem of identifying the needs of the individuals, specific standards for individual service plans should be set in statute, according to proponents.

SUMMARY:

The habilitation services chapter of the laws governing state services to developmentally disabled persons is amended to provide specific standards for community services.  Rights of persons with developmental disabilities are listed, including the right to be free from abuse, to choose where to live and to an individual service plan.

Standards for individual service plans are established, including a schedule of the type and amount of services necessary to meet the needs identified in the plan.  Any needs that cannot be met within available funding are placed in categories by type of service.  The Department shall keep data by type of service on all individuals and report to the Legislature on the overall needs for services.

When a contracted service, such as a group home, fails to fulfill its contract, the Department shall assume responsibility for the care of the residents.  Immediately thereafter, the Department shall seek replacement of the original service with a similar program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The chapter regarding state and local services for developmentally disabled persons is amended, instead of the chapter on habilitation.  County commissioners are required to appoint a local board to develop and approve a plan for local needs of developmentally disabled persons jointly with the Department.

A policy on the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities is established and a menu of Department services, with definitions, is listed.  The annual individual service plans and two-year categorical needs assessment are eliminated.  The rights and service sections are clarified to show that no entitlement to programs is created.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Alison Klauser, Association for Retarded Citizens of Washington; Sue Elliott, Department of Social and Health Services; Jeff Larson, Washington Assembly for Citizens with Disabilities