This bill amends existing laws regarding the delegation of custodial rights and duties for children when legal custody is transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It allows HHS to delegate its rights and responsibilities as a custodian to licensed individuals under chapter 237. The bill specifies that while HHS can delegate duties such as providing food, clothing, housing, and medical care, these responsibilities remain subject to any residual rights of the child's parents or guardians. Additionally, HHS is granted the authority to consent to a child's participation in individualized education programs and to emergency and routine medical care, ensuring that children can engage in activities similar to their peers.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that HHS must notify both the individual licensee and the child's parents or guardians when it delegates the right to consent to emergency medical care, routine medical care, or participation in an individualized education program. This notification requirement aims to keep all parties informed about the child's care and educational involvement, thereby enhancing communication and collaboration between HHS, licensed caregivers, and families.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.2, 237.10