WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2350

Increasing transparency regarding residential habilitation center compliance with certain federal requirements.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darya Farivar and 5 co-sponsors

Requires timely written notices to residents and designated representatives within 10 days of CMS noncompliance findings, plans, or return-to-compliance actions at RHCs.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2350

Summary of HB 2350 (2025-2026) – Washington

Purpose and Intent

HB 2350 aims to increase transparency around residential habilitation centers (RHCs)’ compliance with federal requirements administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Specifically, it requires timely, written notification to residents and designated representatives whenever an RHC is found out of compliance with CMS conditions of participation, including the initial determination of noncompliance and subsequent enforcement actions or return-to-compliance determinations.

Key Provisions

  • Notification to residents and designated recipients

    • The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) must provide written notice to each resident of the RHC and to additional individuals designated to receive notices on behalf of the resident.
    • Notice must be provided within 10 days of:
    • The initial statement of deficiencies or other determination of noncompliance (including the reasons for the finding).
    • Establishment of any plan of correction for the facility.
    • Any subsequent determinations regarding the facility’s return to compliance or ongoing noncompliance, and any related federal enforcement action.

  • Content of notice

    • The initial notification must include a plain-language summary explaining the nature of the noncompliance and its potential impact on resident safety.

  • Transparency and communication goals

    • The bill is designed to improve communication with residents and families about CMS-related noncompliance, aiming to prevent “quiet” handling of deficiencies and to enable informed decision-making by residents and their representatives.

Affected Parties

  • Primary entity affected: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), in its oversight of residential habilitation centers.
  • Residents and families/representatives: Recipients of timely written notices regarding CMS noncompliance and related actions.
  • RHC facilities: Subject to CMS conditions of participation and the new notification requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective timing: The act’s action dates indicate it became law in March 2026 with an effective date of June 11, 2026.
  • Enforcement and updates: The bill requires ongoing notification within 10 days of each milestone or action in the CMS noncompliance process (initial deficiencies, plans of correction, and subsequent compliance determinations or federal actions).
  • Administrative process: The notification provides residents and designated parties with information about noncompliance status and the facility’s steps toward remediation, potentially informing informal dispute resolution considerations.

Additional Context

  • Legislative history and testimony: There was public testimony in support of increased transparency, citing concerns about communication gaps when RHCs are out of compliance (e.g., Rainier School). Supporters argue timely notices protect resident safety, uphold treatment standards, and empower families to make informed choices. No opposition was noted in the provided record.
  • Sponsorship: The bill lists multiple sponsors, including co-sponsors Darya Farivar, Natasha Hill, Joe Fitzgibbon, Brianna Thomas, Shelley Kloba, and Julia Reed.

Implications

  • The bill enhances resident and family awareness of CMS-related compliance issues at RHCs.
  • It imposes a specific 10-day notification timeline for key events in the noncompliance process.
  • By providing plain-language summaries and clear information about potential safety impacts, the measure aims to improve accountability and family engagement without altering the substantive CMS standards themselves.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.