SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5903

BYSenators Kreidler and Bauer

Providing nursing home care for medically fragile children.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5903 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 3, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Recent advances in medical technology have resulted in an ability to preserve the life of children with severe traumatic brain injuries or severe birth defects.  Some of these children are often medically fragile and require constant and intensive care beyond the level parents can provide.  Some are so profoundly impaired that they will probably never respond to rehabilitative treatment.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides services to medically fragile children and their families through the Division of Children, Youth and Family Services.  The department has the philosophy that medically fragile children should be retained in the home whenever possible.  Department services to these children and their families have focused on in- home services. 

Placement of medically fragile children in nursing homes occurs on a very limited basis and through an exception policy only.  The state's nursing homes and hospitals currently do not have special care units for these children so children needing this level of care must leave the state.  Since the number of placements are low it is unlikely given current department policies that special units will be developed.

SUMMARY:

Intent language states that nursing home placements for children with severe physical and mental disabilities should be part of the state's long-term care continuum. 

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is directed to develop a plan for providing nursing home placements for medically fragile children.  The plan shall identify children in need of this level of care, facilities capable or willing to provide the care and federal funds available.  The department shall develop an implementation plan and schedule for providing such care.  A report with recommendations for legislation is due to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 1989.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The term "inpatient skilled nursing care" is substituted for "nursing home placements."  The Department of Social and Health Services is also required to include proposed standards in the plan.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 15, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Melissa Allen, St. Peter's Hospital (pro); Jill Dickinson (pro); Mike Hall, Ginny Hall, parents (pro)