(1) The
legislature intends that any staff reassigned by the department
as a result of shifting of the reauthorization responsibilities
by contract outlined in this section shall be dedicated for
discharge planning and assisting with discharge planning and
information on existing discharge planning cases. Discharge
planning, as directed in this section, is intended for residents
and patients identified for discharge to long-term care pursuant
to RCW 70.41.320, 74.39A.040, and 74.42.058. The purpose of
discharge planning is to protect residents and patients from the
financial incentives inherent in keeping residents or patients in
a more expensive higher level of care and shall focus on care
options that are in the best interest of the patient or resident.
(2) The department shall contract with area agencies on
aging:
(a) To provide case management services to consumers
receiving home and community services in their own home; and
(b) To reassess and reauthorize home and community services
in home or in other settings for consumers consistent with the
intent of this section:
(i) Who have been initially authorized by the department to
receive home and community services; and
(ii) Who, at the time of reassessment and reauthorization,
are receiving home and community services in their own home.
(3) In the event that an area agency on aging is unwilling
to enter into or satisfactorily fulfill a contract or an
individual consumer's need for case management services will be
met through an alternative delivery system, the department is
authorized to:
(a) Obtain the services through competitive bid; and
(b) Provide the services directly until a qualified
contractor can be found.
(4) The department shall include, in its oversight and
monitoring of area agency on aging performance, assessment of
case management roles undertaken by area agencies on aging in
this section. The scope of oversight and monitoring includes,
but is not limited to, assessing the degree and quality of the
case management performed by area agency on aging staff for
elderly and disabled persons in the community.
(5) Area agencies on aging shall assess the quality of the
in-home care services provided to consumers who are receiving
services under the medicaid personal care, community options
programs entry system or chore services program through an
individual provider or home care agency. Quality indicators may
include, but are not limited to, home care consumers satisfaction
surveys, how quickly home care consumers are linked with home
care workers, and whether the plan of care under RCW 74.39A.095
has been honored by the agency or the individual provider.
(6) The department shall develop model language for the plan
of care established in RCW 74.39A.095. The plan of care shall be
in clear language, and written at a reading level that will
ensure the ability of consumers to understand the rights and
responsibilities expressed in the plan of care.
[2004 c 141 § 3; 1999 c 175 § 2; 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 § 38.]
NOTES:
Findings -- 1999 c 175: "(1) The legislature finds that the
quality of long-term care services provided to, and protection
of, Washington's low-income elderly and disabled residents is of
great importance to the state. The legislature further finds
that revised in-home care policies are needed to more effectively
address concerns about the quality of these services.
(2) The legislature finds that consumers of in-home care
services frequently are in contact with multiple health and
long-term care providers in the public and private sector. The
legislature further finds that better coordination between these
health and long-term care providers, and case managers, can
increase the consumer's understanding of their plan of care,
maximize the health benefits of coordinated care, and facilitate
cost efficiencies across health and long-term care systems."
[1999 c 175 § 1.]
Conflict with federal requirements -- Severability -- Effective date -- 1995 1st sp.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 74.39A.030.