BILL REQ. #:  S-0553.1 

Read first time 01/21/13.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to strengthening families by allowing transfers between regional support networks to be closer to relatives or other strong personal supports; and adding a new section to chapter 71.24 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 71.24 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A regional support network may not refuse to allow a client to transfer from one regional support network to another when the motivation for the transfer request is to bring the client closer to relatives or other strong personal supports.
     (2) The department may establish rules and procedures governing transfers of clients between regional support networks and assume the authority to resolve disputes that arise. In the case of a transfer request that does not arise pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the originating regional support network may be required to make payment for inpatient or residential services received by the client from the receiving regional support network for a maximum of six months following the transfer.