FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1849

                                  C 119 L 88

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Cantwell, Brooks, Braddock, Silver, Bristow, Grant, Sayan, Day, Dellwo, Lewis, Winsley, Fuhrman, Moyer, Doty, D. Sommers, Brekke and Brough)

Revising the office of the state long-term care ombudsman.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Federal law requires all states to operate an ombudsman program.  The program is required to investigate and resolve complaints regarding the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents of long-term care facilities.  It also must act as an advocate in the implementation of public policy regarding long-term care facilities, provide public education and train volunteers to participate in ombudsman programs.

The state long-term care ombudsman program, established under state law and pursuant to the federal Older Americans Act, is currently administered by the Department of Social and Health Services.  The secretary of the department is authorized to place the office in an area, within the department, that will allow it to be independent and to facilitate the ombudsman duties detailed under the Older Americans Act.

SUMMARY:

Instituting options outlined in the Older Americans Act, the Long-term Care Ombudsman program is transferred out of the Department of Social and Health Services and out of state government.  The program is placed in an autonomous entity that will conduct its duties by contract.  The Department of Community Development will act as the administrator for the contracted program.  The relocation of the state long-term care program will become effective July 1, 1989.

Prior to the transfer of the program a survey and analysis will be conducted by the House of Representatives.  The survey will identify the operational and administrative components necessary for a successful contracted program. The survey must be submitted to the governor and the Legislature by December 30th, 1988.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 96   2

      Senate    48     0 (Senate amended)

      House             (House refused to concur)

      Senate    44     1 (Senate receded)

EFFECTIVE:December 30, 1988