HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2789
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 expansion of adult day care services.
Brief Description: Expanding adult day care services.
Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, Green, Morrell, Williams and Santos.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/23/08, 1/30/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Adult day care service programs provide a service that allows people to live as independently
as possible, while receiving services that are essential to their health and well-being. Adult
day care service programs also serve as a respite from caregiving responsibilities for family
members by allowing them to care for their family member without needing more formal
services or a higher level residential care.
Adult day care service programs are not available in 26 of Washington's 39 counties, and are
only available to a limited degree in the 13 counties in which some services exist.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Social and Health Services is required to develop a challenge grant
program for the purpose of expanding the availability of adult day care service programs.
The grants cannot exceed $100,000 for the purpose of helping with the costs of planning,
development, and start-up of new adult day care service programs in underserved
communities. Recipients of these grants must provide matching resources, in funds or
in-kind, of equal value to any grant received. Any adult day care services program developed
after receiving a challenge grant must agree to serve people whose care is paid for by the state
medical assistance program on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of the source of
payment.
The bill contains a null and void clause unless funded in the budget.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Adult day care services provide many positive benefits for seniors. They provide
respite care for caregivers, socialization for seniors, exercise and other benefits. There is a
need to expand the availability of adult day care services to areas of the state that do not have
these services.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Rolfes, prime sponsor; Sarah Myers, Washington Adult Day Services Association; Nora Gibson, Elder Health Northwest; and Jan Nestler, Elder and Adult Day Services.