(1) Nothing in chapter 278, Laws of 2018 modifies the department's:

(a) Authority to establish a plan of care for each consumer, including establishing the number of hours in a week a consumer may assign to any one provider consistent with RCW 74.39A.525;

(b) Core responsibility to manage long-term in-home care services under this chapter, including determination of the level of care that each consumer is eligible to receive;

(c) Obligation to comply with the federal medicaid laws and regulations, the state medicaid plan, or any waiver granted by the federal department of health and human services; and to ensure federal financial participation in the provision of services.

(2) Nothing in chapter 278, Laws of 2018 modifies the legislature's right to make programmatic modifications to the delivery of state services under this title, including eligibility standards for consumers, standards for individual providers, and the nature of services provided.

(3) Nothing in this chapter shall cause individuals who were hired as long-term care workers prior to January 7, 2012, to lose their exemption from certification requirements under RCW 18.88B.041 solely because they became employees of a consumer directed employer.

Findings—Intent—2018 c 278: See note following RCW 74.39A.500.