This bill makes several amendments to current law related to children with disabilities and abuse in healthcare facilities. It replaces the term "mentally retarded minors" with "minors with intellectual or developmental disabilities" in various sections of the law. It allows cities and towns with fewer than eight minors with disabilities to contract with another city or town for education or establish a special class with the consent of the board of regents. If a city or town does not establish a class or contract with another city or town, they must contract with a suitable day school for instruction. The bill also provides transportation for all pupils attending a special class or suitable day schools.

The bill also amends the definition of abuse in healthcare facilities to include assault, offenses under chapter 10 of title 11, conduct that harms or is likely to physically harm a patient or resident, and engaging in a pattern of harassing conduct that causes emotional or psychological harm. It clarifies that the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals is responsible for incidents occurring in community residences for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill defines "facility" as any health care facility or community residence for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill also defines "mistreatment" as the inappropriate use of medications, isolation, or physical or chemical restraints, and "neglect" as the intentional failure to provide necessary treatment or care.

Statutes affected:
722  SUB B: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25
722  SUB A: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25
722: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25