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