The bill amends Section 42-72.1-3 of the General Laws concerning the licensing and monitoring of child-placing agencies, child caring agencies, foster and adoptive homes, and children’s behavioral health programs. Key insertions include a requirement that all out-of-state foster care placement facilities must be registered with the state medical assistance program as Medicaid providers. Additionally, the director has the authority to waive this Medicaid requirement on a case-by-case basis in emergency situations where no registered Medicaid provider is available for the placement of a child in foster care.

The bill also includes several deletions, notably the removal of a previous provision regarding the investigation of previous employment and criminal record checks, which has been replaced with a new focus on out-of-state placements. Other provisions remain intact, ensuring that the Department of Children, Youth and Families retains its role in investigating complaints of abuse and neglect in daycare or childcare facilities, even after the transfer of licensing responsibilities to the Department of Human Services. The act is set to take effect upon passage.