Brief Description: Requiring the department of social and health services to defend temporary managers in nursing homes.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser and Brandland; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
House Committee on Judiciary

Background: Temporary managers are appointed to manage nursing homes experiencing difficult times. Examples of situations requiring the use of a temporary manager include the closing of a nursing home, investigations involving financial mismanagement, or when allegations of general mismanagement occur. It is only during the most extreme situation that temporary managers are called in. Managers may be needed for as little as thirty days or for as long as several months. Often, a manager will bring in his or her own team to assist in the crises. Since 1989, the department has called upon temporary managers seven times. The cost of liability insurance for temporary managers is prohibitive. The department wishes to indemnify temporary managers to assist in off setting insurance costs.

Summary: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless temporary managers and their agents for any actions that do not amount to intentional torts or criminal behavior.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      49   0
House      96   0