SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6112

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.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Keiser, Darneille, Rivers, Van De Wege and Kuderer; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief Summary of Bill

Permits adult family homes to have nonambulatory residents live above the first floor of the home.

Background: An adult family home is a residential home that provides personal care, specialty care, necessary supervision, laundry, 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 additional requirements for ensuring adult family home residents can be safely evacuated from the home in rule.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There is need for greater adult family home capacity and there are existing regulations that require adult family homes to safely evacuate the residents.

CON: This would put residents and fire fighters at risk. Many residents are incapable of self-evacuating.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Barbara Bailey, Prime Sponsor; Candace Goehring, Residential Care Services, Aging and Long Term Support Administration. CON: Robert Bradley, Washington State Association of Fire Marshals.