SENATE 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. |
As of February 22, 2018
Title: An act relating to evacuation of adult family homes.
Brief Description: Concerning evacuation of adult family homes.
Sponsors: Representatives Tharinger, Harris, Hayes, Hudgins, Reeves, Macri, Jinkins and Appleton; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/18/18, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/22/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)
Background: An adult family home is a residential home that provides personal care, specialty care, necessary supervision, laundry, and room and board for up to six adults who need long-term care. Adult family homes are licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Adult family homes are required to ensure that all residents can be safely evacuated in an emergency and must develop a fire drill plan for emergency evacuation of residents. The home must be able to evacuate all residents from the home to a safe location in five minutes or less and nonambulatory residents are not allowed to live above the first floor of the home.
Summary of Bill: Nonambulatory residents are allowed to live above the first floor of an adult family home. DSHS will establish in rule, additional requirements for ensuring adult family home residents can be safely evacuated from the home.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill provides a technical correction to clarify confusion that currently exists around the "first floor" of the home. In current WACs, there are regulations for safe and fast evacuation. Homes have been denied licenses because of the first floor confusion and this helps clarify which rooms are licensable.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Candace Goehring, ALTSA/Residential Care Services; Alyssa Arley, Business Development and Compliance Specialist, A2z Elite Services.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.