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Bills to rename 'schools' as Residential Habilitation Centers and require compliance notices draw broad support
Summary
Sponsors and disability advocates told the committee HB 2319 would rename outdated 'school' facilities as Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs) and HB 2350 would require DSHS to post and provide timely plain-language notices when RHCs fall out of compliance with CMS conditions; advocates argued the changes improve clarity, transparency and family ability to protect residents.
Allison Mendiola, committee staff, briefed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350 to the Senate Human Services Committee on Feb. 18.
HB 2319 would change statutory names for several state-operated developmental-disability institutions (for example, renaming Fircrest School to Fircrest Residential Rehabilitation Center) to reflect current functions; staff said RHCs primarily serve adults and that existing references to former names would remain in effect. The briefing said the bill carries a fiscal note showing no cost.
HB 2350 would require the Department of Social and Health Services to provide notice when an RHC is…
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