The bill amends RCW 43.43.837 to strengthen the requirements for fingerprint-based background checks for individuals working with vulnerable populations, including children and those with developmental disabilities. It mandates that applicants for positions such as long-term care workers, direct care workers, and child placement providers must submit fingerprints for national background checks. The legislation also broadens the scope of individuals required to undergo these checks, now including those living in service providers' homes and individuals aged 16 and older in certified community residential settings. Additionally, it establishes a provisional hiring period of 120 days for applicants while their background checks are pending, provided there are no immediate disqualifying results.

Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions for "transitional care facilities" and clarifies the term "unsupervised" in relation to youth with developmental disabilities. A "transitional care facility" is defined as a state-operated residential treatment facility that offers specialized treatment and habilitative interventions for eligible youth, emphasizing a staff-secure and voluntary environment. The bill also specifies that individuals are considered unsupervised if they are not accompanied by another employee or volunteer from the same organization, or any relative or guardian of the children or vulnerable adults they are working with. These amendments aim to enhance safety and oversight in care settings for vulnerable populations in Washington State.