Wednesday,  December 11 , 2024

Linkedin Pinterest
Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Legislature moving in wrong direction

The Columbian
Published: May 1, 2011, 12:00am

With the state facing a historic budget deficit, many call for new models of providing services, particularly giving more responsibility to private companies. It is ironic, then, that in one of the major state services where private companies do play a major role, the state is moving in the opposite direction.

For years, private companies like local nonprofit CDM Services, of which I am executive director, have been key providers of home-care services for the most vulnerable.

Those who can’t supervise their own care — including many with severe disabilities — can receive service through a private agency, which provides more care management, quality control, and oversight than the state-run “Individual Provider” program.

Years ago, the Legislature unanimously adopted the “agency parity” statute, which ensures that compensation for individual providers and caregivers at private agencies remains competitive to allow recruiting and retaining qualified workers. The 2011 Legislature has proposed eliminating this provision. This could leave thousands of agency caregivers without health care, force vulnerable consumers into nursing homes, and lead to elimination of home care agencies.

Private businesses have played a key role in promoting quality, innovation and cost effectiveness. Let’s not move in the wrong direction and prevent private companies from competing to provide home care services in Washington.

Eric Erickson

Vancouver

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter

Support local journalism

Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.

Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.

Community Funded Journalism logo
Loading...