The proposed bill would extend the expiration date of the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2031, allowing for four additional years of operation. It introduces new requirements for the Department of Economic Security (DES) to contract with a designated entity for program oversight, contingent on available appropriations. This designated entity would be responsible for monitoring compliance with health and service standards in group homes serving clients with complex needs and conducting follow-up reviews for homes with significant compliance issues. Additionally, the bill modifies existing reporting requirements by removing the obligation for the designated entity to assess compliance with behavioral treatment plans and mandating the provision of any concerns identified during follow-up reviews. It establishes an expedited referral system for incident reports and quality-of-care complaints, requires DES to publish all relevant reports on its website, and changes the annual report deadline from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2026. The bill also replaces "pilot program" with "program," expands monitoring criteria, mandates monthly reporting from the designated entity, and sets a new reporting timeline to the governor and legislative leaders. By January 1, 2030, legislative committees will review the program's effectiveness and determine its future, while also defining "client with complex needs."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-573, 36-595.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-573, 36-595.03
House Engrossed Version: 36-573, 36-595.03