FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2395

                                  C 207 L 90

BYRepresentatives Anderson, Brooks, Braddock, Moyer, Locke, Prentice, Jacobsen, Scott and Wineberry

Regarding reimbursement of nursing homes authorized to meet the needs of people with AIDS.

House Committe on Health Care

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care and Ways & Means

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Currently, the nursing home Medicaid reimbursement system limits the level of nursing staff, based on a formula established by the Department of Social and Health Services.  The formula is specific to each nursing home and takes into consideration patient characteristics and previously used staffing levels.  Nursing staff refers to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.

Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) require a type and level of specialized care not currently available in a nursing home environment.  Patients with the advanced AIDS condition may require 24 hour nursing care. The high intensity level of medical and social support needed by the AIDS patient, coupled with the infectious nature of this disease, require that a carefully planned and supportive care environment be provided for these non- traditional nursing home residents.

A 1989 amendment to the Washington State Health Plan authorized a pilot facility specifically designed to meet the needs of persons suffering from AIDS. The Department of Health has reviewed one specialized AIDS nursing home pilot facility and has granted a certificate of need.

SUMMARY:

The limit on nursing staff in nursing homes is eliminated for a particular pilot facility especially designed to meet the needs of persons with AIDS.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 89   0

      Senate    46     0 (Senate amended)

      House 95   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990