The legislature finds that adult family homes are an important part of the state's long-term care system. Adult family homes provide an alternative to institutional care and promote a high degree of independent living for residents. Persons with functional limitations have broadly varying service needs. Adult family homes that can meet those needs are an essential component of a long-term system. The legislature further finds that different populations living in adult family homes, such as the developmentally disabled and the elderly, often have significantly different needs and capacities from one another.

     It is the legislature's intent that department rules and policies relating to the licensing and operation of adult family homes recognize and accommodate the different needs and capacities of the various populations served by the homes. Furthermore, the development and operation of adult family homes that can provide quality personal care and special care services should be encouraged.

     The legislature finds that many residents of community-based long-term care facilities are vulnerable and their health and well-being are dependent on their caregivers. The quality, skills, and knowledge of their caregivers are the key to good care. The legislature finds that the need for well-trained caregivers is growing as the state's population ages and residents' needs increase. The legislature intends that current training standards be enhanced.

     The legislature finds that the state of Washington has a compelling interest in protecting and promoting the health, welfare, and safety of vulnerable adults residing in adult family homes. The health, safety, and well-being of vulnerable adults must be the paramount concern in determining whether to issue a license to an applicant, whether to suspend or revoke a license, or whether to take other licensing actions.

[2001 c 319 § 1; 2000 c 121 § 4; 1995 c 260 § 1; 1989 c 427 § 14.]