The bill aims to enhance community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington State. It introduces a new section to chapter 71A.12 RCW, mandating the Department of Social and Health Services to contract directly with service providers for community inclusion services under home and community-based waivers. The bill outlines specific standards for these services, including the provision of incidental personal care, flexible provider-client ratios, and billing practices. It emphasizes that access to community inclusion services must be based on assessed service hours, which cannot be reduced even if integrated into other services with budget limits.

Additionally, the bill amends several existing statutes to align with the new community inclusion framework. Key changes include the definition of "community inclusion services," which are characterized by their provision in integrated settings, individualized support, and promotion of skill development and independence. The bill also updates terms related to age limits and service options, such as transitioning from employment services to community inclusion programs. Notably, it exempts long-term care workers providing only community inclusion services from certification requirements, thereby facilitating the delivery of these essential services.

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