The bill aims to enhance community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington State by amending several existing laws and introducing new provisions. A significant addition is the establishment of a new section in chapter 71A.12 RCW, which mandates the Department of Social and Health Services to contract directly with service providers for community inclusion services under home and community-based waivers. These services must include incidental personal care, allow for peer group interaction without a strict one-to-one provider-client ratio, and ensure that assessed service hours are not reduced when integrated into other services. Additionally, the bill specifies billing practices for transportation and administrative tasks related to these services.

The bill also updates definitions and provisions related to community inclusion services, including the removal of outdated age references, such as changing "eighteen" to "18" and "ninety" to "90." It emphasizes the importance of individualized services that promote skill development and community integration. Furthermore, it allows long-term care workers providing only community inclusion services to be exempt from certain certification requirements. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to and the quality of services for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they can engage more fully in their communities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71A.10.020, 71A.12.110, 71A.12.290, 71A.14.060, 18.88B.041