House committee hears divided testimony on bill to close Rainier School residential habilitation center

The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on Substitute Senate Bill 5393, which would require the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to close Rainier School, a residential habilitation center (RHC) in Buckley, by June 30, 2027, and relocate current residents to other settings.

Committee staff told lawmakers the bill directs DSHS to stop new admissions immediately, to offer placements in other RHCs, supported living programs, state-operated living alternatives (SOLAs) or adult family homes based on resident preference, and — "subject to funds appropriated" — to offer RHC employees opportunities in SOLAs and other state programs. The transcript fiscal summary reported a projected net savings of roughly $18.1 million over a four-year outlook, an operating impact shown in the fiscal note including smaller-year biennium figures, and capital costs for closure and enhanced site security estimated at about $2.4 million.

Why it matters: Rainier School is one of four state RHCs certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as intermediate care facilities (ICFs). Staff said Rainier currently houses about 58 long‑term residents and 13 short‑term residents; the bill’s implementation would directly affect those residents, their guardians and RHC employees, and would change how Washington draws federal Medicaid match tied to ICF certification.

Staff briefing and fiscal details Brian Waystaff, fiscal staff to the committee, said the DSHS…