On April 15, 2025, Washington State introduced Senate Bill 5810, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing funding and support for skilled nursing facilities and addressing the shortage of qualified interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. The bill outlines specific financial adjustments to daily rates for various services provided in skilled nursing facilities, reflecting the increased care needs of patients with complex medical conditions.

Key provisions of the bill include significant rate adjustments for skilled nursing facilities. The enhanced behavior services plus and enhanced behavior services respite rates will see an increase to $175 per patient per day, while specialized services will rise to $235 per patient per day. Additionally, the bill establishes add-on rates for ventilator and tracheotomy care, set at $192 and $123 per patient per day, respectively. These changes aim to ensure that facilities can adequately staff and care for patients with specialized needs.

The bill also allocates substantial funding from the general fund to support these initiatives, including $3.8 million for fiscal year 2024 and nearly $4 million for fiscal year 2025, specifically for increasing daily rates for enhanced services facilities to $596.10 per patient per day.

Another critical aspect of Senate Bill 5810 is the establishment of a work group focused on addressing the statewide shortage of certified American sign language interpreters and protactile interpreters. This initiative will receive $926,000 in funding for fiscal year 2025 and aims to develop training and certification standards, enhance professional development, and create financial support pathways for interpreters. The work group will prioritize the involvement of individuals from historically marginalized communities and is expected to deliver a final report with recommendations by June 30, 2025.

The introduction of Senate Bill 5810 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward improving care for vulnerable populations and addressing long-standing gaps in interpreter services. However, some critics express concerns about the sustainability of funding and the potential impact on the state budget.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for healthcare funding and support for the deaf and hard of hearing communities will be closely monitored. If passed, Senate Bill 5810 could significantly enhance the quality of care in skilled nursing facilities and improve access to essential communication services for individuals with hearing impairments.