Bill > SB5606

This bill addresses funding for the Washington state long-term care ombuds program, which supports and protects the rights of residents in licensed long-term care facilities. The bill recognizes that these residents are vulnerable adults entitled to specific rights, including dignity, respect, and control over life decisions. It highlights that a 2020 report found insufficient funding to meet the recommended ratio of one full-time ombuds for every 2,000 residents, as suggested by the Institute of Medicine. To address this, the bill requires the long-term care ombuds program to develop a funding recommendation every two years (by June 1st in even-numbered years) in partnership with the Department of Commerce. This recommendation must provide adequate funding to fulfill statutory obligations, achieve the recommended ombuds-to-resident ratio, account for growth in long-term care beds as forecasted by the Caseload Forecast Council, consider inflation based on the Consumer Price Index, and address administrative needs. After each recommendation is developed, the Department of Commerce must submit it to the Office of Financial Management and legislative fiscal committee chairs for budget consideration, with the ultimate goal of ensuring sufficient resources to support the growing number of individuals in long-term care facilities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5606&Year=2025&Initiative=false