FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5733

PARTIAL VETO

C 140 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Improving fairness and protection in boarding homes and adult family homes.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Winsley, Thibaudeau and Kohl-Welles).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background: Boarding homes, and adult family homes are regulated by the Department of Social and Health Services. The department makes regular unannounced inspections, and must respond to complaints under terms described in statute. Complaints involving imminent danger to the health, safety or well-being of a resident must be responded to within two days. The department is authorized to take actions if licensees fail to meet licensing requirements, if they operate without a license, provide false information, or interfere with inspections or investigations. Any of the above may be cause for the department to refuse an initial license, or to impose reasonable conditions on a contract, to levy civil penalties, or to suspend, revoke or deny a renewal. The department is also authorized to suspend admissions to any facility found in violation of licensure or contract agreements.

Summary: The definition of an "affiliated person" is broadened to include the spouse of the applicant, or is listed on the license application as a partner, officer, director, resident manager or majority owner of the applying entity.

Change of ownership rules of boarding homes and adult family homes are clarified and simplified.

A new owner of a boarding home or an adult family home is responsible for correcting all violations that may exist at the time of the new license.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       96  0    (House amended)

Senate       49  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 10, 2004

Partial Veto Summary: The veto deletes language restricting the Department of Social and Health Services from having access to financial records of boarding homes except in certain circumstances. This provision was included in other legislation.