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 outlines the powers and responsibilities of the department in issuing, denying, and revoking licenses, as well as monitoring compliance with regulations. It emphasizes the importance of various factors in the licensing process, including financial stability, compliance with safety codes, and the qualifications of agencies and staff. Additionally, the bill retains the department of children, youth, and families' responsibility for investigating complaints of abuse and neglect in daycare or childcare facilities, ensuring that the Rhode Island family court maintains jurisdiction over such cases. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6000: 42-72.1-3