The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning the licensing division of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. It introduces a probationary license for licensees who are temporarily unable to comply with regulations, allowing for a six-month period that can be extended under certain conditions. Additionally, a child-specific license is established for relatives or close family friends wishing to care for a specific child placed in Washington through the interstate compact on placement of children. The bill also modifies definitions and requirements for various care providers, mandates training related to blood-borne pathogens, and clarifies the department's responsibilities in informing care providers about children's health conditions. Outdated provisions are repealed, and stakeholder input is sought for developing new rules to make the licensing process more responsive to the needs of children and families.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions, such as "street youth," and outlines the responsibilities of various agencies providing care and services to children and individuals with developmental disabilities. It modifies the licensing process, requiring agencies to apply for licenses or renewals through the department, with licenses valid for three years unless inactive. Licensees moving to a new location without children must notify their licensor within ninety days, and their home will be placed on no-referral status until a home inspection is completed. The bill also specifies staffing ratios in crisis residential centers and establishes expiration and effective dates for specific sections of the act, ensuring compliance with licensing standards to safeguard the well-being of children in care.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 74.15.125, 43.376.020, 74.15.020, 74.15.100, 74.15.030, 43.185C.295