This year there were important successes for the Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds. HB 1390 “Repealing the Community Protection Program” passed and was signed by the Governor. This has been a priority for the DD Ombuds since we released the Community Protection report “No Way Out” in 2021. Over the next year participants will transition to other waivers that are less restrictive but still supportive. This gives people help without taking away basic rights.
The DD Ombuds continues to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. The DD Ombuds are members of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and with the passing of HB 2429, the work group will be extended to 2031.
This work will follow the guidance of the WA Thriving Strategic Plan HB 2350 “Increasing transparency regarding residential habilitation center compliance with certain federal requirements” passed. As a result, when a state Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) is out of federal compliance, the people living there and their representative must be notified. This will increase transparency in the conditions of the RHCs.