DSHS set to close portion of state-run Rainier School in Buckley

BUCKLEY, Wash. — A portion of a state-run school for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is set to be closed by next August.

The closure of a portion of the Rainier School, which is located in Buckley, is the result of a settlement between the state’s Health Care Authority and the Department of Social and Health Services, which operates the school.

The school is one of four state-operated residential habilitation centers for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, according to DSHS.

The decision affects about 50 residents of the school who participate in Program Area C, or PAT C, which provides specialized care and independent living skills for adults with intellectual and developmental delays.

PAT C was facing decertification by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for failing to meet appropriate standards of care.

A 2018 inspection and investigation into the school found repeat deficiencies relating to student care, staffing for field trips, training for clients, not using disposable gloves properly and not notifying parents or guardians when their student was involved in violent incidents.

“This is a sad time for the individual residents and their families as well as the staff who support them,” said Debbie Roberts, DSHS’ assistant secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. “This agreement will allow time to properly help our residents safely transition to a new setting, instead of the 30-day period CMS allows for transitions if we lost (an) appeal. We will work closely with the individuals impacted to develop a person-centered plan, ensuring safe and supported transitions.”

The program area must close on July 1, 2023 or earlier, if the last PAT C resident has transitioned out of the school before that date.

Other Rainier School entities are not impacted by the settlement.

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