FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5877

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.

Background: Adult family homes are regular neighborhood homes where staff assumes responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the adult. A room, meals, laundry, supervision, and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Some provide occasional nursing care. Some offer specialized care for people with mental health issues, developmental disabilities or dementia. The home can have two to six residents and is licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

As part of this licensing, DSHS may take action against an adult family home provider if it finds that the provider has failed to comply with statutory requirements or otherwise interfered with DSHS' regulation of the adult family home. Actions DSHS may take include refusing to issue a license; imposing conditions on the license or limiting the types of clients the adult family home may admit; imposing civil penalties; suspending a license; or imposing stop-placement orders on the adult family home. Orders from DSHS imposing license suspension, stop placement, or conditions on licenses are effective immediately upon notice and must continue pending a final administrative decision.

Summary: If DSHS issues a order to suspend a license, stop placement, or issue conditions for continuation of a license for an adult family home, it must hold a hearing within 60 days of a hearing request to respond to the order. If all parties agree, the hearing may be delayed up to 120 days from the hearing request.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48
House	97	(House amended)
Senate	46	(Senate concurred)