HB 2750

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2750

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

Brief Description: Modifying the process for designating regional support networks.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Hinkle and Green; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Condotta, DeBolt, Moeller, Pedersen and Schual-Berke.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Campbell, Green and Seaquist.

Background:

If a Regional Support Network fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to assume the responsibilities of the Regional Support Network. Currently, only a county or group of counties, or a private nonprofit entity are authorized to serve as a Regional Support Network. If a Regional Support Network fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, the DSHS will assume the responsibilities of the Regional Support Network until a new entity is designated as the Regional Support Network.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

A Regional Support Network may be a county, group of counties, or a nonprofit or for-profit entity. If a Regional Support Network fails to meet state minimum standards, refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, or notifies the DSHS it will no longer serve as a Regional Support Network, the DSHS will assume the responsibilities of the Regional Support Network until a new entity is designated as the Regional Support Network through a competitive procurement process. A Regional Support Network that voluntarily terminates its contract to act as a Regional Support Network is prohibited from responding to a procurement or serving as a Regional Support Network for five years. An entity selected through the procurement process to act as the Regional Support Network is not required to contract for services with any county-owned or operated facility.

Contracts between a Regional Support Network and the DSHS will include a provision that the Regional Support Network provide the DSHS 180 days advance notice of its intent to voluntarily terminate its contract to act as a Regional Support Network.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

A Regional Support Network that voluntarily gives up that responsibility will not be allowed to resume that role for five years rather than forever.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This legislation is needed to allow the DSHS to operate community mental health services when a Regional Support Network decides not to perform that function. There should be a preference given to nonprofit organizations who want to assume the role of a Regional Support Network. A county or a nonprofit organization are more acceptable as a Regional Support Network than a for-profit entity.

(With concerns) A county that decides not to serve as a Regional Support Network should not be barred from ever performing that function in the future.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Richard Kellogg, Department of Social and Health Services.

(With concerns) Rick Weaver, Washington Community Mental Health Council; Jonathan Rosenblum, Service Employees International Union 1199 Northwest; Rashi Gupta, Washington Association of Counties; and David E. Stewart and David Dula, Pierce County.