It is the intent of the legislature that chore services be provided to eligible persons within the limits of funds appropriated for that purpose. Therefore, the department shall provide services only to those persons identified as at risk of being placed in a long-term care facility in the absence of such services. The department shall not provide chore services to any individual who is eligible for, and whose needs can be met by another community service administered by the department. Chore services shall be provided to the extent necessary to maintain a safe and healthful living environment. It is the policy of the state to encourage the development of volunteer chore services in local communities as a means of meeting chore care service needs and directing financial resources. In determining eligibility for chore services, the department shall consider the following:

(1) The kind of services needed;

(2) The degree of service need, and the extent to which an individual is dependent upon such services to remain in his or her home or return to his or her home;

(3) The availability of personal or community resources which may be utilized to meet the individual's need; and

(4) Such other factors as the department considers necessary to insure service is provided only to those persons whose chore service needs cannot be met by relatives, friends, nonprofit organizations, other persons, or by other programs or resources.

In determining the level of services to be provided under this chapter, the client shall be assessed using an instrument designed by the department to determine the level of functional disability, the need for service and the person's risk of long-term care facility placement.

Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 74.39A.030.

Effective date—Severability—1981 1st ex.s. c 6: See notes following RCW 74.04.005.