The bill introduces amendments to Washington state law to establish and regulate medical foster homes specifically for veterans. It defines a medical foster home as a residential facility that cares for three or fewer veterans, overseen and annually reviewed 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, thereby formalizing their status within the existing framework of residential care facilities. This inclusion aims to ensure that veterans receive appropriate care in a supportive environment while adhering to state regulations.

In addition to the provisions for medical foster homes, the bill updates definitions related to long-term care workers and introduces new terms to enhance the protection of vulnerable adults. It establishes a "vulnerable adult advocacy team" to address issues of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The bill mandates comprehensive background checks for all long-term care workers, including fingerprinting for those hired after January 7, 2012, and outlines disqualifying factors for providers. Notably, it expands the definition of "provider" to encompass caregivers of medical foster homes, thereby strengthening the regulatory framework for safeguarding vulnerable individuals in various care settings.

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