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. A significant insertion in the bill mandates that all out-of-state foster care placement facilities must be registered with the state medical assistance program as Medicaid providers. The director has the authority to waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis if there is an emergency need for placement of a child in foster care at a facility that is not a registered Medicaid provider, and no other Medicaid provider is available to provide placement.

The bill also includes provisions related to the powers and responsibilities of the department overseeing these agencies, such as issuing licenses, investigating complaints, and adopting regulations. Furthermore, it clarifies that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families will continue to handle investigations 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.

Statutes affected:
6000: 42-72.1-3