SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6471

BYSenators Stratton, Deccio, Craswell, Kreidler and Smith

Providing for respite care services.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1988

Senate Staff:Dee Knapp (786-7452)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Law authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services to administer a respite care program.  Respite care services provide relief and support assistance to a disabled adult's family or other unpaid caregiver to encourage an alternative to institutionalization.  The usual caregiver is given a break while temporary care is provided.

Volunteers to the program do not now receive any benefit from their services.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to establish a type of volunteer service bank program whereby volunteers provide care in exchange for credit towards similar care for themselves or a beneficiary when they or their families require such services.  The department is authorized to establish a volunteer registry to record the hours of service performed. Credit for volunteer services is limited to ten hours per week. If no volunteer is available to provide service to a person who has credit, the department is authorized to pay for care at a rate of no more than the prevailing reimbursement rate. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 29, 1988