This bill enhances the enforcement authority of the Department of Human Services (DHS) over service providers for individuals with developmental disabilities by allowing the department to impose financial penalties for various violations. It defines terms such as "administrative neglect," "authorized provider," and "licensed provider," and outlines specific penalties for unauthorized operation of residential settings, failure to conduct necessary background checks, and other compliance failures. The bill also establishes a new fund, the Residential Facility Quality of Care Improvement Fund, which will be financed by revenues from fines imposed under the act and used to support quality improvement initiatives and regulatory actions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to allow for civil penalties against individuals who fail to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals with developmental disabilities, rather than waiting for a conviction. This change aims to strengthen accountability among caregivers and case managers. The DHS is tasked with adopting necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this act, which will take effect six months after enactment, although anticipatory administrative actions may be taken beforehand.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:6D-75