SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2347
As of February 15, 2024
Title: An act relating to website information published by the department of social and health services regarding adult family homes.
Brief Description: Concerning adult family home information.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Reeves, Harris, Chambers, Davis, Bateman, Doglio, Macri and Reed).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/8/24, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/16/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes that the Department of Social and Health Services website regarding adult family homes is not required to include links to all inspection and investigation reports but it must include deficiency-free inspection letters, certain statements of deficiencies, notices of return to compliance, and enforcement action notices.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Julie Tran (786-7283)
Background:

Adult Family Home Inspections. Adult family homes are regulated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and must be inspected by DSHS at least every 18 months.  When an inspection is conducted, DSHS must prepare a written report that summarizes the inspection, and all inspection reports must be available to the public at DSHS during business hours.  Adult family homes must have a copy of each inspection report for the past three years readily available for review by DSHS, residents, and the public.

Adult Family Homes Website. DSHS is required to work with consumers, advocates, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive, user-friendly website for family members, residents, and prospective residents of adult family homes.  The website includes links to information including, but not limited to:

  • explanations of the types of licensed long-term care facilities, levels of care, and specialty designations;
  • lists of suggested questions when looking for a care facility;
  • warning signs of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation; and
  • contact information for DSHS and the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds. 


The website should include a searchable list of all adult family homes in Washington, with links to inspection and investigation reports, and any enforcement actions by DSHS for the previous three years.  If a violation or enforcement remedy is deleted, rescinded, or modified, DSHS must make the appropriate changes to the information on the website as soon as reasonably feasible, but not later than 30 days after the violation or enforcement remedy has been deleted, rescinded, or modified.
Summary of Bill:

The DSHS website regarding adult family homes is not required to include links to all inspection and investigation reports.  The website must include the following documents and information for the previous three years:

  • deficiency-free inspection letters;
  • statements of deficiency related to inspection visits requiring an attestation of correction;
  • statements of deficiency related to enforcement actions;
  • notices of return to compliance related to statements of deficiency; and
  • enforcement action notices issued by DSHS.
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.