Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

HB 1346

Brief Description:  Exempting from child care regulations persons who place or care for children entering the United States for medical care.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dickerson, Tokuda, Kenney, Kagi and Santos.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The bill exempts organizations that bring international children to the United States temporarily for medical care, and the families who host these children, from licensing by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Hearing Date:  2/19/01

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background: 

Agencies that arrange for, or directly provide, out-of-home care to children, expectant mothers or persons with developmental disabilities are licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  Licensed entities include:  family day care providers and day care centers, group care facilities, crisis residential centers and family foster homes.

Entities exempt from licensing for the provision of out-of-home placement include:  relatives of children, expectant mothers or persons with developmental disabilities, boarding schools, seasonal camps, and families who host international exchange students.

Organizations that bring international children to the United States temporarily for medical care, and the families who host these children, are not exempted from licensing under current statutes.

Summary of Bill: 

The bill exempts organizations that provide placement or similar services to international children who are in the United States on medical care visas from licensing by the DSHS.

The bill also exempts the host families for these children from licensing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 13, 2001.

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