Bill > SB5428

This bill aims to improve community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities by establishing new standards and provisions for service delivery. The bill defines "community inclusion services" as individualized services provided in integrated community settings that promote skill development, independent living, and community integration for participants with developmental disabilities. The legislation requires the department of social and health services to directly contract with service providers for community inclusion services under home and community-based waivers, with specific guidelines including allowing providers to bill for transportation and limited administrative tasks, permitting group service ratios that encourage peer interaction, and ensuring that assessed service hours cannot be reduced when services are integrated into aggregate services. The bill also updates several existing laws to reflect these changes, including modifications to definitions, service transition options for clients, and exemptions for long-term care workers providing community inclusion services. Additionally, the legislation mandates that by June 30, 2025, the administration must develop rules defining developmental disability without using intelligence quotient scores, emphasizing a more holistic approach to understanding and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5428&Year=2025&Initiative=false