The proposed bill authorizes a contract between the District of Columbia and the Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center (HSCPC) for respite care services for wards of the District, valued at $1,898,584.00 and running from August 13, 2025, to August 12, 2026. HSCPC is identified as the sole provider capable of delivering necessary transitional services for medically fragile children. The contract includes provisions for option periods with incremental price increases to ensure cost predictability. It mandates that HSCPC provide 24/7 in-patient respite care placement services and comply with various legal and ethical requirements, including staff background checks and mandatory reporting of incidents related to child abuse and neglect.
Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding contractor hiring practices, requiring criminal background checks for all employees and ensuring that at least 51% of new hires for contracts over $300,000 are District residents. It establishes compliance with the Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act and the Living Wage Act, while also detailing insurance requirements for contractors. The bill emphasizes the importance of safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA regulations and outlines the responsibilities of Business Associates in handling PHI. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance service delivery for vulnerable children while promoting fair labor practices and compliance with established laws.