This bill establishes a Developmental Services Oversight Commission to ensure the health and welfare of individuals receiving home and community-based waiver services. The commission will consist of legislative representatives, health department officials, and service recipients, and will be responsible for reviewing health and safety data, making recommendations for improvements, and providing annual reports. A new position within the Department of Health and Human Services will support the commission, with an appropriation of $52,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. The bill also revises existing laws regarding the reporting and investigation of abuse involving vulnerable adults and minors, mandating that residential service providers notify authorities within seven days of serious incidents and establishing a state registry for founded reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Significant changes include the introduction of new definitions for key terms related to the investigative process and the requirement that unfounded reports are not maintained on the registry. The bill allows for the removal of founded reports from the registry after seven years unless contested, and mandates that employers check the registry before hiring individuals who may interact with vulnerable adults. It prohibits hiring individuals listed on the registry without a waiver and requires annual name submissions for current employees and volunteers for registry review. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for expunging founded reports and mandates timely notification of authorities in cases of child deaths in institutional care. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for vulnerable populations while ensuring due process for those accused of abuse or neglect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-M:16, 161-F:46, 161-F:49
As Amended by the Senate: 161-F:46, 161-F:49
As Amended by the House: 161-F:46, 161-F:49
Version adopted by both bodies: 161-F:46, 161-F:49
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 161-F:46, 161-F:49