Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services & Early Learning Committee |
HB 2599
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 Description: Concerning services for children with multiple handicaps.
Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Kilduff, Doglio and Leavitt; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/20
Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).
Background:
Services for Children with Multiple Handicaps.
In 1980 the Legislature established in law a program to develop and review an alternative service delivery system for certain handicapped children with multiple handicaps who have continuing intensive medical needs but who are not required to continue in a hospital setting. To be eligible for this program, an individual must be:
under age 22;
under the care of a physician that diagnoses the child's condition as sufficiently serious
residing in, or in immediate jeopardy of residing in, a hospital or other residential medical facility; and
fall within certain functional and medical categories.
The Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) was to develop a plan for each child served under this program that included services necessary for the care of the child that include:
nursing care;
physician care;
respiratory therapy;
dental care;
nutritional consultation;
communication disorder therapy;
physical and occupational therapy;
special and regular education;
recreation therapy;
psychological counseling; and
transportation.
This program has remained in law since 1980 but has not been implemented.
Medically Intensive Children's Program.
The Medically Intensive Children's Program (MICP) provides skilled nursing services to children under age 18 if the child:
has complex medical needs;
is enrolled in Washington Apple Health under the "medically needy" scope of care; and
requires at least four hours of continuous skilled nursing care per day.
The MCIP is administered by the DDA in partnership with the Health Care Authority (HCA). The DDA determines clinical and financial eligibility, assesses the child and determines medically necessary services, and arranges the services. The HCA arranges medically necessary skilled private duty nursing services through the DDA, helps family in obtaining private duty nursing services, and is responsible for ensuring that children enrolled in Apple Health receive the nursing services they need.
Summary of Bill:
The chapter relating to services for children with multiple handicaps is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.