The bill establishes a Developmental Services Oversight Commission to ensure the health and welfare of individuals receiving home and community-based 1915(c) waiver services. This commission will review health and safety data, make recommendations for improvements, and consist of various stakeholders, including legislative representatives and service recipients. It is required to provide annual reports to key government officials and hold public meetings. Additionally, the bill revises reporting and investigation requirements for abuse of vulnerable adults and minors, mandating that residential service providers notify authorities within seven days of serious incidents. It also creates a classified position within the Department of Health and Human Services to support the commission, with an appropriation of $52,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 161-F:49 to establish a state registry for tracking founded reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults aged 18 and older, while ensuring confidentiality and outlining the rights of individuals listed on the registry. Employers of licensed or funded programs must check this registry before hiring individuals who may interact with vulnerable adults and are prohibited from hiring anyone listed unless a waiver is obtained. The bill also introduces a new requirement for immediate notification to the attorney general and relevant agencies in the event of a child's death in institutional care, with specific details to be reported within seven days. Key deletions from previous law include the removal of specific references to caregivers and conditions for maintaining reports.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-M:16, 161-F:46, 161-F:49
As Amended by the Senate: 161-F:46, 161-F:49