HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5403

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 Substitute Bill

Removes the prohibition against housing residents of an adult family home above the first floor.
Specifies requirements relating to the emergency evacuation of residents of an adult family home.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chambers, Davis, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Stonier, Thai and Tharinger.

Background:

Adult family homes are community-based facilities licensed to care for up to six individuals who need long-term care. Adult family 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 (DSHS) and must meet facility standards as well as training requirements for resident managers and caregivers. An adult family home must have an emergency evacuation plan that includes a fire drill plan and procedures for the evacuation of all residents. Non-ambulatory residents may not live above the first floor of the home and adult family homes may not admit residents who cannot be safely evacuated. Adult family homes must 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 his or her ability to evacuate the home according to whether he or she can evacuate independently or with assistance.

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Summary of Bill:

The prohibition against housing residents above the first floor of an adult family home is eliminated. Residents of an adult family home must have safe egress to a safe right-of-way. Non-ambulatory residents must have a bedroom on the floor of the home from which the resident may be evacuated to a designated safe location outside of the home without the use of stairs, elevators, chair lifts, platform lifts, or other devices determined by the DSHS in rule.

The DSHS is authorized to adopt rules on emergency evacuation from an adult family home. The rules must be developed in consultation with the largest organization representing fire chiefs in Washington.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill makes a technical correction that will eliminate confusion. Current law requires adult family home residents to be housed on the first floor, but there is no universal definition of what constitutes the first floor. For example, split levels, slopes, second-level entrances, and daylight basements can cause confusion. This bill requires non-ambulatory residents to be on the same floor as the primary egress. The Department of Social and Health Services must work with the fire chiefs when adopting rules, which is the only difference from the House version.

(Opposed) None.