This bill proposes significant amendments to the North Dakota Century Code regarding residential care and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. It aims to create and enact three new sections to chapter 25-16, while also amending and reenacting multiple existing sections related to definitions, licensing, and operational requirements for provider agencies. Notably, the bill replaces the term "treatment or care center" with "provider agency" throughout the text, reflecting a shift in terminology. Additionally, it introduces new definitions for terms such as "group home" and "host home," which clarify the types of residential facilities that will be regulated. The bill also repeals chapter 25-18, which pertains to fee-for-service ratesetting for developmental disability facilities.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for corrective actions if a provider agency is found non-compliant with regulations, allowing the department to issue restricted licenses or revoke licenses as necessary. It also outlines the department's authority to purchase services for individuals with developmental disabilities and to create a host home program for out-of-home placements. The bill emphasizes compliance with federal requirements to ensure continued federal financial participation in medical assistance. Lastly, the bill is declared an emergency measure, indicating the urgency of its implementation.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 25-16-01, 25-16-02, 25-16-03, 25-16-03.1, 25-16-04, 25-16-05, 25-16-06, 25-16-07, 25-16-08, 25-16-09, 25-16-12, 25-16-13, 25-16-14, 25-16.1-01, 25-16.1-02, 25-16.1-03, 25-16.1-04
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 25-16-01, 25-16-02, 25-16-03, 25-16-03.1, 25-16-04, 25-16-05, 25-16-06, 25-16-07, 25-16-08, 25-16-09, 25-16-12, 25-16-13, 25-16-14, 25-16.1-01, 25-16.1-02, 25-16.1-03, 25-16.1-04
PREFILED: 25-16-01, 25-16-02, 25-16-03, 25-16-03.1, 25-16-04, 25-16-05, 25-16-06, 25-16-07, 25-16-08, 25-16-09, 25-16-12, 25-16-13, 25-16-14, 25-16.1-01, 25-16.1-02, 25-16.1-03, 25-16.1-04