SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6518

BYSenators Deccio, Fleming, Johnson, Garrett, Niemi and Smith

Licensing adult family homes.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1988; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6518 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith, West, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Adult family homes are regular family abodes whose residents provide full-time family care and supervision for adults in need of personal or special care.  Individuals in need of care include persons age 18 and over who, because of developmental disability, age, or physical or mental infirmity, require some degree of supervision on health care beyond the level of room and boards.  Currently, the Department of Social and Health Services is given general statutory authority to license adult family homes.  Specific licensure requirements are established in the Washington Administrative Code.

SUMMARY:

A program to license adult family homes is established in statute.  The Department of Social and Health Services is the regulatory authority.

After July 1, 1988 all adult family homes must obtain a license and meet specific licensure requirements.  The department will conduct on-site inspections of homes applying for a license.

Licensees are to be renewed at least annually and are non-transferable or assignable.  A provisional license may be granted to applicants whose homes are not initially in compliance with licensing standards.  The provisional license is non-renewable and may not be valid for more than 12 months.

Provisions are established for denial or suspension of a license, including administrative hearings to consider actions against license holders.  The department is granted injunctive authority.

The department is granted rule-making authority to establish standards to assure safe and adequate care of individuals in adult family homes.  The rules shall include provisions for well-balanced meals, record-keeping and social activities.  The rights of individuals in adult family homes are specified.

The department shall re-inspect the home on an annual basis.  Rules may be adopted concerning structural changes in the home, including provisions for the submission and approval of construction plans.

Fire protection standards shall be adopted by the state fire marshal.  The standards must be no less stringent than those established for other similar residential programs.  In cities with fire protection standards equal to the minimum standards established by the state fire marshal, the local fire chief shall also inspect the adult family homes.

Operators of adult family homes may not admit or retain individuals needing nursing or medical care currently provided in nursing homes or hospitals.  Medication services may be provided when a registered nurse is available and upon doctor's orders permitting supervised medication services.  These services include self-medication or self-directed medication.

Exemptions from licensure are created for adult family homes operated by those who rely upon treatment by prayer or spiritual means by recognized denominations.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Legislative Budget Committee shall conduct a study of the adequacy and appropriateness of the current regulations governing adult family homes.  It shall make a report of its findings to the Legislature no later than December 15, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 27, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Charles Reed, Department of Social and Health Services (against); Glen Hudson, WHCA (for); Steve Maag, WHCA (for)