SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2824

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long‑Term Care, February 28, 2002

Title:  An act relating to conflict of interest provisions for the long‑term care ombudsman program.

Brief Description:  Revising conflict of interest provisions for the long‑term care ombudsman program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Skinner, Edwards and Chase.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/21/02, 2/28/02 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  Currently, long-term care ombudsmen cannot have been employed in a  long- term care facility or have a financial interest in one within the past three years.  There is no period of ineligibility for a person who has been employed in a governmental position involving licensing, certification, or regulation of a long-term care facility.

Summary of Bill:  A period of ineligibility of one year is established for individuals interested in becoming a long-term care ombudsman if they (1) were employed or involved in the management of a long-term care facility; (2) were employed in a governmental position involving licensing, certification or regulation of long-term care facilities; (3) had a significant ownership or investment interest in a long-term care facility.  A long-term care ombudsman is prohibited from being assigned to a long-term care facility if he or she has an immediate family member living there.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This will allow more qualified people to join the ombudsman program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Gene Forrester, Senior Citizens Lobby; Kary Hyre, LTC Ombudsman.