The bill amends Washington state law to establish regulations for medical foster homes specifically designed for veterans. It introduces a new category of residential facilities that are exempt from certain regulations, defining a medical foster home as one that provides care to three or fewer veterans and is overseen by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Caregivers in these homes are required to comply with state laws regarding training, certification, and background checks. This formal recognition of medical foster homes aims to enhance the care options available to veterans while ensuring that safety and quality standards are upheld.

In addition to the provisions for medical foster homes, the bill updates definitions related to long-term care and caregiving, explicitly including medical foster home caregivers as long-term care workers. It clarifies various terms associated with the care and protection of vulnerable adults and establishes a framework for background checks to ensure the eligibility of long-term care workers. The bill also prohibits the employment of individuals with a history of abuse or neglect in care roles and mandates the creation of a state registry to track long-term care workers with substantiated findings of misconduct. By expanding the definition of "provider" to include caregivers of medical foster homes, the bill enhances oversight and accountability in the care of vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.128.030
Substitute Bill: 70.128.030, 74.39A.009, 74.34.020, 74.39A.056
Engrossed Substitute: 70.128.030, 74.39A.009, 74.34.020, 74.39A.056
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70.128.030, 74.39A.009, 74.34.020, 74.39A.056
Session Law: 70.128.030, 74.39A.009, 74.34.020, 74.39A.056