70.128.220 - Elder care -- Professionalization of providers.

Elder care — Professionalization of providers.

Adult family homes have developed rapidly in response to the health and social needs of the aging population in community settings, especially as the aging population has increased in proportion to the general population. The growing demand for elder care with a new focus on issues affecting senior citizens, including persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or dementia, has prompted a growing professionalization of adult family home providers to address quality care and quality of life issues consistent with standards of accountability and regulatory safeguards for the health and safety of the residents. The establishment of an advisory committee to the department of social and health services under *RCW 70.128.225 formalizes a stable process for discussing and considering these issues among residents and their advocates, regulatory officials, and adult family home providers. The dialogue among all stakeholders interested in maintaining a healthy option for the aging population in community settings assures the highest regard for the well-being of these residents within a benign and functional regulatory environment. The secretary shall be advised by an advisory committee on adult family homes established under *RCW 70.128.225.

[2002 c 223 § 3; 1998 c 272 § 9.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.128.225 was repealed by 2009 c 560 § 5.

Findings -- Severability -- Effective date -- 1998 c 272: See notes following RCW 18.20.230.