Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 2015
Brief Description: Concerning incentivizing adult family homes to increase bed capacity to seven or eight beds.
Sponsors: Representatives Senn, Schmick, Ryu, Reed, Ormsby, Callan, Macri, Doglio, Lekanoff, Reeves and Tharinger.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes expedited inspection timeframes for adult family homes seeking to increase bed capacity to seven or eight beds prior to January 1, 2026, so that the first inspection may be completed upon application and the second inspection may be completed if at least six months have passed since the first inspection.
Hearing Date: 1/10/24
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:

Adult family homes are community-based facilities licensed to care for 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.  An adult family home must be inspected by the Department at the time of licensure and subsequently every 18 months with an annual average of 15 months.  Adult family homes with a history of not receiving inspection citations or complaint investigation violations may operate without an inspection for two years.

 

Adult family homes may care for up to six persons but may increase their bed capacity to seven or eight beds if they meet additional licensing standards.  The number of residents that an adult family home is licensed to care for depends on several factors related to the structure of the house, the number and qualifications of the staff, and the mix of persons living in the home.  An adult family home applying for seven- or eight-bed capacity must further demonstrate financial solvency and management experience for the home and the ability to meet relevant safety, health, and operating standards.  An adult family home may only apply for seven- or eight-bed capacity if it has met several additional criteria, including having held a license for at least 24 months, having been licensed for six beds for at least 12 months, and having completed two full inspections resulting in no enforcement actions.
Summary of Bill:

An expedited inspection timeframe is established for the requirement that an adult family home applying to increase its bed capacity to seven or eight beds complete two full inspections resulting in no enforcement actions.  Under the expedited timeframe, if an adult family home applies to increase its bed capacity to seven or eight beds before January 1, 2026, and has met all other application requirements, the Department of Social and Health Services may complete the first inspection upon receipt of the application and complete a second inspection if at least six months have passed since the first inspection.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 3, 2024.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.