HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1347
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to emergency response plans for long-term care facilities.
Brief Description: Requiring emergency response plans for long-term care facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Kagi, Morrell, Haigh, Green, Kessler, Cody, Appleton, Ormsby, Hunter, Kenney, O'Brien, Springer, Santos and Campbell.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/7/07, 2/14/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Campbell, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta and Curtis.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Nursing homes, adult family homes, and boarding homes are currently required to have
emergency response plans in place to deal with natural and man-made emergency situations.
Only nursing homes are required to have emergency generator backup. There is currently no
requirement that long-term care facilities coordinate their emergency response plans with
local political subdivision emergency planning authorities.
Summary of Bill:
All long-term residential care facilities are required to have emergency response plans in
place. The emergency response plans will provide for an alternative source of power.
Long-term care emergency response plans must be coordinated with local political
subdivision emergency planning authorities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) is working on the
Governor's Task Force on Emergency Services which will release its report on March 1,
2007. The Department supports many elements of the bill, but funding for it is not included
in the Governor's budget. Local coordination is an important part of the bill and is currently a
missing link in emergency planning.
(Neutral) Law enforcement is mapping all public facilities in the state. A Long-term care
program would be a good addition.
(With concerns) There is no funding in the bill to pay for the additional responsibilities.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Schual-Berke, prime sponsor; Gary Weeks,
Washington Health Care Association; and Louise Ryan, Washington Long-Term Care
Association Ombudsman Program.
(Neutral) Joe Hawe, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
(With concerns) Joyce Stockwell, Department of Social and Health Services; Julie Peterson,
Washington Association of Housing and Services for the Aging; and Terry Kohl, Washington
State Residential Care Council.