Residents Rights Bill Overshoots the Mark – PSHB 1859
Today, PSHB 1859 was subject to public hearing in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. The bill was last on the agenda, and time ran out on testimony in this hearing, and will be continued next Tuesday where an amendment has been promised by the bill’s prime sponsor. We have yet to see the proposal but understand the intent is to focus on discharge appeal rights. We will keep you apprised.
The bill that was considered today would adopt skilled nursing facility federal regulations in Washington’s community-based care settings, including assisted living, adult family home, and enhanced services facilities. We oppose this misguided legislation, including the proposed substitute that was subject to public hearing today. Over 2700 people weighed in on the highly controversial legislation before the hearing. We have worked all week with our colleagues from the Adult Family Home Council and LeadingAge Washington to help educate committee members about the problems with this bill. Here is our joint letter to committee chair Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-3) and bill sponsor Rep. Tarra Simmons detailing our issues with the proposed substitute. This bill would fundamentally alter the nature and operation of assisted living by mandating providers exceed their scope of services beyond reasonable accommodation. See our review of the current law that spells out the legal intent for assisted living and adult family homes.
We also provided case studies on difficult to discharge residents to help policy makers understand that it is critical to have a timely process for managing such discharges. Bill proponents, including the LTC Ombuds and AARP, are driving additional requirements for providers without recommendations for resources and support for these untenable requirements. Why does this matter? Under PSHB 1859, individuals issued a discharge notice would have 90 days to appeal—regardless of the issue, and irrespective of payment.
Here are details about the legislation.
Please, reach out to your own House members to register opposition to PSHB 1859. Your voice is needed. Click here to send a message to your two representatives to tell them you oppose this bad policy. Our goal is to engage 1000 providers in this effort by mid-week next week—please ask your colleagues to join you in reaching out. Here’s a flyer you can use with staff.
Below is the link to today’s public hearing on the bill. It is urgent that you weigh in on the legislation.
