SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6275

BYSenators West, Johnson and Niemi

Establishing demonstration projects for persons with acquired traumatic brain injuries.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Senate Staff:Don Sloma (786-7414)

                  February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE, FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Some 5,000 persons are admitted to Washington hospitals with traumatic brain injury each year.  Of these some 16 percent are readmitted.  Many of these require ongoing rehabilitation in order to re-enter the work force.  However, continued employment can be difficult without additional, ongoing assistance.

Some contend that productive, independent life, including employment is possible for those with severe traumatic brain injuries, if ongoing employment related support is provided.  Federal funds may be available for such programs.  However, state funding for such support does not now include those 18 years old and older.

SUMMARY:

Legislative findings are stated regarding problems associated with acquired traumatic head injuries.  References to the availability and conditions associated with federal funds are stated.

The terms "acquired traumatic brain injury, division, follow-along services and supported employment" are defined.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (the division), within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), must establish no more than three demonstration projects for supported employment with follow-along services for adults 18 years old or older with acquired traumatic brain injury.  One project must be in eastern Washington and one in rural Washington.

The division must develop an evaluation and data collection system prior to the beginning of the projects, and must provide the Legislature with annual progress reports.  A final evaluation must be submitted to the Legislature within six months of the completion of the demonstration projects.

A 20 percent local match is required of all projects.  This may include in kind contributions, staff and volunteers.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Paul Perkins, University of Washington Hospital (pro); Tony Screws, WASHIF (pro); Frank Bean (pro); Jeanne Munro, DVR/DSHS; Tom Skoog (pro)