Title: An act relating to the definition of adult family home.

Brief Description: Revising the definition of adult family home.

Sponsors: Senators Deccio and Keiser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/19/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: Adult family homes are licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care. Adult family homes provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, and nursing services if necessary.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is responsible for licensing adult family homes.

Summary of Bill: The licensed capacity of an adult family home may increase from six to seven to allow a married couple to reside together.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: It is not uncommon for one spouse to need assisted living care when the other spouse does not. Keeping a married couple together is vital for the physical and mental health of both people. This is a good bill.

Testimony Against: The Department of Social and Health Services has concerns about the implications of allowing an additional person to live in an adult family home. Adult family homes are only licensed for six persons. Allowing an additional person would be in violation of the licensing laws as well, and raises concerns about fire safety.

Who Testified: PRO: Terry Kohl, Washington State Residential Care Council; Terry Gamage, Washington State Residential Care Council.

CON: Joyce Stockwell, Department of Social and Health Services.