HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6482

As Passed House:

March 6, 2002

Title:  An act relating to removing time limits for treatment under the alcohol and drug addiction treatment and support act.

Brief Description:  Removing time limits for treatment under the alcohol and drug addiction treatment and support act.

Sponsors:  By Senators Long, Hargrove, Winsley, Haugen, Stevens, Deccio and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Children & Family Services:  2/25/02, 2/28/02 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  3/6/02, 93-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Removes the six month limitation on alcohol and drug treatment services for indigent persons.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Tokuda, Chair; Kagi, Vice Chair; Boldt, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Dickerson, Miloscia, Morell and Nixon.

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background:

The Legislature enacted the Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA) in 1987, which requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide, within available funds, alcohol and drug treatment services to eligible persons.  Eligibility is contingent upon indigence, an inability to maintain gainful employment and the capacity to benefit from treatment.

ADATSA services include intensive inpatient treatment, recovery house treatment, outpatient treatment and counseling, medical coverage and a living allowance.  Services are limited to six months in any two year period; however, the department may grant exceptions.

Summary of Bill:

The six month limitation on alcohol and drug treatment services for indigent persons is removed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This change saves money due to reduced record keeping.  Providers will reduce two to three hours of workload per case now used to track this information.  The bill creates an administrative efficiency without changing the program.  Caseloads will not be adversely affected by lifting the time limit, since the average length of stay is three months, rather than the six months currently authorized in statute.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Long, prime sponsor; Cammy Hart-Anderson, Snohomish County Human Services--Association of County Human Services; and Ken Stark, Department of Social and Health Services.