HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1447

Requiring state agencies

to maintain web sites

Brief Title                               Hearing Date: 2/3/99

Reps. Miloscia, Haigh                      Staff: Steve Lundin

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7127

BACKGROUND:

A number of state agencies operate toll-free hot lines.

Among other toll-free numbers, the following are required in state law:

oThe Department of Health operates a toll-free number for complaints to be made about the operation of licensed boarding homes.

oThe Department of Social and Health Services maintains a toll-free number for complaints about the delegation of nursing tasks to nursing assistants in long-term care facilities.

oThe Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development contracts with a private firm to provide long-tem care ombudsman services that includes a toll-free phone line for complaints to be made about nursing homes.

oThe Department of Social and Health Services maintains a toll-free number for complaints about adult family homes.

oThe Department of Social and Health Services must maintain a toll-free twenty-four hour hotline to receive reports of violations of conditions set for juveniles who are placed in community facilities.

SUMMARY:

Each state agency that maintains a toll-free telephone hot line for reporting violations shall maintain an internet web site for the public to report violations.  The agency shall investigate the reported violation and report its findings to each person who reported the violation, if requested by the person making the report.

The department shall conduct a public information program to inform the public about its web site and toll-free telephone hot line.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.