HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2344

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Removes the prohibition on nonambulatory residents of adult family homes residing above the first floor and directs the Department of Social and Health Services to establish evacuation standards for adult family homes.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Graves, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, MacEwen, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Slatter, Stonier and Tharinger.

Background:

Adult family homes are community-based facilities licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care. These homes provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, and nursing services.

Adult family homes are licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) and must meet facility standards as well as training requirements for resident managers and caregivers. Among the licensing requirements, an adult family home must have an emergency evacuation plan that includes a fire drill plan and procedures for the evacuation of all residents. Nonambulatory residents may not live above the first floor of the home and adult family homes may not admit residents who cannot be safely evacuated. Department regulations require that adult family homes be able to evacuate all residents from the home within five minutes. In addition, each resident's assessment, preliminary care plan, and negotiated care plan must identify the resident's ability to evacuate the home according to whether the resident can evacuate independently or with assistance.

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Summary of Bill:

The prohibition on keeping nonambulatory residents above the first floor of an adult family home is removed. Standards for evacuating residents from adult family homes must be established by the Department of Social and Health Services in rule.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill provides the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) with additional flexibility to look at each individual home and make sure that the clients are safe and acknowledges that all homes are designed differently. Homes vary in design and the first floor can be defined differently, such as with split-level homes or homes with daylight basements. This bill allows adult family homes to use non-first floor bedrooms that are safe and compliant with evacuation rules. The bill still maintains evacuation standards, including an evacuation time of five minutes or less.

This bill allows individuals to age in place if a person's mobility declines. When residents have a change in mobility, the current statute could require them to move from the home. This bill fixes a technical correction to an inconsistency between statute and rule which could expose the Department to potential liability.

(Opposed) None.