This bill introduces two new sections to chapter 50-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the requirements for substitute caregivers and respite care providers in adult foster homes, as well as the permitted use of electronic monitoring devices by adult foster care providers. The first section defines "respite care provider" and "substitute caregiver," establishing that the Department cannot limit their services to less than 220 days within a 24-month period or 110 days within a 12-month period. Additionally, it specifies that days of care provided for less than 12 hours will not count towards these limits, and it applies specifically to private pay adult foster care providers.

The second section allows adult foster care providers to employ temporary assistants to aid residents with physical limitations and permits the use of electronic monitoring devices for unattended residents, provided that written approval is obtained from the resident or their representative. Furthermore, the bill mandates a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to evaluate the licensing of foster homes for adults, addressing barriers to service access, regulatory challenges, and funding limitations, with input from various stakeholders. The findings and recommendations from this study will be reported to the seventieth legislative assembly.