The bill establishes a Developmental Services Oversight Commission to safeguard the health and welfare of individuals receiving home and community-based 1915(c) waiver services. This commission will review health and safety data, make improvement recommendations, and consist of various stakeholders, including legislative representatives and service recipients. It is mandated to provide annual reports to government officials and conduct public meetings. Additionally, the bill revises reporting requirements for abuse of vulnerable adults and minors, requiring residential service providers to notify authorities within seven days of serious incidents involving residents. 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 create a state registry for tracking founded reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults aged 18 and older, while maintaining confidentiality for unfounded reports. It removes previous language that limited reports to actions by paid caregivers and introduces a process for entering founded reports into the registry, which can be expunged after seven years unless contested. Employers are required to check the registry before hiring individuals who may interact with vulnerable adults, and current employees must be reviewed annually. The bill also establishes a process for individuals listed on the registry to petition for expungement after a year, with subsequent petitions allowed every three years. Additionally, it mandates that residential service providers notify authorities within seven days of a child's death in institutional care, enhancing oversight and accountability in the care of vulnerable individuals.

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