Read first time 01/17/2007.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to emergency response plans for long-term care facilities; amending RCW 71A.12.080; adding a new section to chapter 18.20 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 18.51 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.128 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 18.20 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall require emergency response plans for all boarding homes licensed under this chapter. The emergency response plans shall include detailed written plans and procedures to address potential emergencies and disasters such as fires, earthquakes, floods, and wind storms. The plans must provide for an alternative power source that provides the facility with a minimum of seventy-two hours of emergency power, unless additional hours are required by state or federal regulations. The alternative power source must provide enough power for any emergency life support systems and medical equipment, lighting for emergency evacuations and in dining and recreation areas, and heating equipment to provide heating for resident rooms or a room or rooms to which all residents can be moved. The facility shall coordinate its emergency response plan with a local organization for emergency management established in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan, as provided in RCW 38.52.070.
     (2) Boarding homes under this section shall train all employees in emergency procedures when they begin working at the facility, periodically review emergency procedures with existing staff, and carry out quarterly drills using those procedures including fully evacuating the facility once each calendar year.
     (3) The department may adopt fire emergency evacuation drill standards that consider the fire and life safety construction features of the building.
     (4) The department shall review emergency response plans as part of the facility inspection, to determine compliance with this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 18.51 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall require emergency response plans for all nursing homes licensed under this chapter. The emergency response plans shall include detailed written plans and procedures to address potential emergencies and disasters such as fires, earthquakes, floods, and wind storms. The plans must provide for an alternative power source that provides the facility with a minimum of ninety-six hours of emergency power. The alternative power source must provide enough power for any emergency life support systems and medical equipment, lighting for emergency evacuations and in dining and recreation areas, and heating equipment to provide heating for resident rooms or a room or rooms to which all residents can be moved. The facility shall coordinate its emergency response plan with a local organization for emergency management established in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan, as provided in RCW 38.52.070.
     (2) Nursing homes under this section shall train all employees in emergency procedures when they begin working at the facility, periodically review emergency procedures with existing staff, and carry out quarterly drills using those procedures.
     (3) The department may adopt fire emergency evacuation drill standards that consider the fire and life safety construction features of the building.
     (4) The department shall review emergency response plans as part of the facility inspection, to determine compliance with this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 70.128 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall require emergency response plans for all adult family homes licensed under this chapter. The emergency response plans shall include detailed written plans and procedures to address potential emergencies and disasters such as fires, earthquakes, floods, and wind storms. The plans must provide for an approved alternative heat source. An adult family home that serves residents on life support systems must provide an alternative power source. The facility shall coordinate its emergency response plan with a local organization for emergency management established in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan, as provided in RCW 38.52.070.
     (2) Adult family homes under this section shall train all employees in emergency procedures when they begin working at the facility, periodically review emergency procedures with existing staff, and carry out quarterly drills using those procedures including fully evacuating the facility once each calendar year.
     (3) The department may adopt fire emergency evacuation drill standards that consider the fire and life safety construction features of the building.
     (4) The department is authorized to waive the requirement that an adult family home have an approved alternative heat source if the home demonstrates a financial hardship. Adult family homes receiving a waiver under this subsection shall display prominently their absence of a backup heat source to current and potential residents.
     (5) The department shall review emergency response plans as part of the facility inspection, to determine compliance with this section.

Sec. 4   RCW 71A.12.080 and 1988 c 176 s 208 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary shall adopt rules concerning the eligibility of residents of residential habilitation centers for placement in community residential programs under this title; determination of ability of such persons or their estates to pay all or a portion of the cost of care, support, and training; the manner and method of licensing or certification and inspection and approval of such community residential programs for placement under this title; and procedures for the payment of costs of care, maintenance, and training in community residential programs. The rules shall include standards for care, maintenance, and training to be met by such community residential programs. The rules may also include standards for health, safety, and emergency response planning.
     (2) The secretary shall coordinate state activities and resources relating to placement in community residential programs to help efficiently expend state and local resources and, to the extent designated funds are available, create an effective community residential program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   The department of social and health services shall adopt rules implementing this act.