The bill amends various sections of the Idaho Residential Care or Assisted Living Act to enhance the legislative intent, definitions, and operational standards for residential care facilities. It emphasizes humane and integrated care for adults needing assistance, introduces new definitions such as "accident," "complaint," and "immediate jeopardy," and clarifies the roles of facility administrators and managers. The bill establishes provisions for assessing residents' needs, negotiating service agreements, and ensuring residents' rights, while also authorizing the department to create rules regarding payment levels and facility operations, subject to legislative approval. Notably, it removes certain qualifications for facility staff and repeals a section concerning special waivers, aiming to improve care quality and protect residents' rights.

Additionally, the bill outlines regulations for unlicensed residential care facilities, asserting that no such facilities may operate without a license and modifying penalties for operating unlicensed. It mandates inspections and enforcement processes for licensed facilities, requiring plans of correction for deficiencies and allowing civil penalties to be used for corrections rather than fines. The bill also addresses property tax reduction benefits for claimants owning certified family homes, clarifying income definitions and ownership criteria. Overall, the amendments seek to enhance oversight, accountability, and the quality of care in Idaho's residential care and assisted living settings.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 39-3301, 39-3302, 39-3303, 39-3305, 39-3307, 39-3308, 39-3309, 39-3316, 39-3318, 39-3321, 39-3322, 39-3326, 39-3340, 39-3351, 39-3352, 39-3354A, 39-3356, 39-3357, 63-701