SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8409

BYSenators Fleming, West, Johnson, Kreidler, Smith, Wojahn and Niemi

Regarding the joint committee on long-term care.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8409 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Don Sloma (786-7414)

                March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

There is an increasing rate of growth in the elderly population in Washington State.  Between now and the year 2000, a 46 percent growth is projected in the population of individuals ages 85 years or older.  More than a 30 percent growth is projected in the population of individuals between 75 to 85 years of age.  As a result of these population changes, an increased demand is expected for publicly funded long-term care services, not only for the elderly, but also the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and others with functional limitations.  Presently, community-based services are seen by many as the most desirable in administering long-term care services.  These services, such as chore and respite care, maintain the least restrictive environment for those needing moderate levels of care.  The demand for nursing homes has also risen because of the increase in the elderly population.  Many feel that federal hospital reimbursement requirements (DRGs) have placed a heavy burden on nursing homes because the patients coming from hospitals are increasingly frail.

SUMMARY:

A joint committee called the Select Commission on Long-Term Care is formed.  The executive committee for this commission must be composed of eight legislators, two from each caucus in the House of Representatives and Senate, to be chosen by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.

The executive committee must select eight public members who represent consumers, providers, payers, and regulators.  The executive committee must choose a chairman from these public representatives.

The commission may form technical advisory committees to assist it with any particular matters deemed necessary, but should in all cases possible use the staff from the House Health Care Committee and the Senate Health Care and Corrections Committee.  The commission may also contract with outside professional consulting firms, upon the approval of the Facilities and Operations Committee.

The commission shall receive no compensation for this position, but is eligible for reimbursements for expenses, to the extent that funds are available.  The commission may accept and apply for grants from any governmental, public or private entity or persons to defray its cost to the state.

The commission is ordered to study the state long-term care system.  This study must include:  an examination of the current organization, planning, administration, and delivery of long-term care services; recommendations to improve upon this system; an evaluation on the future need for long-term care services; an evaluation of the need for specific public and private funds and the availability and desirability of expanding the use of alternative funding resources; an examination of the current system of payment and reimbursement for nursing homes and other long-term care services; and an examination of the effectiveness of local government, community, and consumer group participation in the planning and delivery of these services.

The commission must present its findings to the Legislature no later than December 1, 1990.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The number of legislators on the commission is changed from eight to four.  Six experts in long-term care are added to the commission.  A representative from DSHS and two county government representatives are added.  The consumer, provider and advocate membership is reduced from eight to three.

The chair of the commission must be a consumer of long-term care.

The commission is charged with proposing legislation and administrative changes necessary to implement the policy intent outlined in the resolution.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Appointments by Legislature Required: The executive committee for the Joint Select Commission on Long-Term Care must be composed of four legislators to be chosen by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.

Senate Committee - Testified:   Senator Fleming, prime sponsor (pro)