SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 1 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2013 SENATE BILL NO. 222 BY SENATOR WALSWORTH Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana. CHILDREN. Revises licensure procedures for child day care centers and facilities. (8/1/13) AN ACT1 To amend and reenact R.S. 46:1403, 1404(A), 1405, 1415, 1419 through 1422, 1425(A) and2 (B), 1427(introductory paragraph), and 1428(A), to enact R.S. 46:1406 and 1407,3 and to repeal R.S. 46:1408, 1409, 1412, 1413, and 1424, relative to child care4 facilities; to provide for licensure requirements; to provide for transitional5 provisions; to provide for licensure procedures; to provide for rules; to provide for6 disclosure; to provide for agencies and facilities subject to regulation; to provide for7 revocation or refusal to renew licenses; to provide for violations; to provide for8 appeals; to provide for penalties; to provide for injunctive relief; and to provide for9 related matters.10 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:11 Section 1. R.S. 46:1403, 1404(A), 1405, 1415, 1419 through 1422, 1425(A) and (B),12 1427(introductory paragraph), and 1428(A) are hereby amended and reenacted, and R.S.13 1406 and 1407 are hereby enacted to read as follows:14 §1403. Definitions15 A. As used in this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the16 context clearly states otherwise:17 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 2 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (1)"Camp" means any place or facility operated by any institution,1 society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group which serves2 only children at least five years of age or older and operates only when school3 is not in session during the summer months and/or school holidays.4 (2) "Child" means a person who has not reached age eighteen or otherwise5 been legally emancipated. The words "child" and "children" are used interchangeably6 in this Chapter.7 (2)(3) "Child-placing agency" means any institution, society, agency,8 corporation, facility, person or persons, or any other group engaged in placing9 children in foster care or with substitute parents for temporary care or for adoption,10 or engaged in assisting or facilitating the adoption of children, or engaged in placing11 youth in transitional placing programs, but shall not mean a person who may12 occasionally refer children for temporary care.13 (3) "Community home" means any place, facility, or home operated by any14 institution, society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group which15 receives therein at least four but not more than six individuals, who are not related16 to the operator and whose parents or guardians are not residents of the same facility,17 for supervision, care, lodging, and maintenance, with or without transfer of custody.18 (4) "Day Child day care center" means any place or facility operated by any19 institution, society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group for20 the purpose of providing care, supervision, and guidance of seven or more children,21 not including those related to the caregiver, unaccompanied by parent or guardian,22 on a regular basis for at least twelve and one-half hours in a continuous seven-day23 week. If a child day care center provides transportation or arranges for24 transportation to and from the center, either directly or by contract with third25 parties, all hours during which a child is being transported shall be included in26 calculating the hours of operation. A day care center that remains open for more27 than twelve and one-half hours in a continuous seven-day week, and in which no28 individual child remains for more than twenty-four hours in one continuous stay shall29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 3 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. be known as a full-time day care center. A day care center that remains open after1 9:00 p.m. shall meet the appropriate regulations established for nighttime care.2 (5) "Department" means the Department of Health and Hospitals, with3 respect to facilities and agencies funded under Title XIX of the Social Security Act,4 and the Department of Children and Family Services for all other facilities and5 agencies.6 (6) "Group home" means any place, facility, or home operated by any7 institution, society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group which8 receives therein at least seven but not more than fifteen children who are not related9 to the operators and whose parents or guardians are not residents of the same facility10 for supervision, care, lodging, and maintenance, with or without transfer of custody.11 "License category" means the category of license applied for or held, which12 shall include child day care centers, maternity homes, residential homes, and13 child-placing agencies.14 (7) "License type" means the type of license applied for or held, which15 shall include Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV licenses.16 (8) "Maternity home" means any place or facility in which any institution,17 society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group regularly receives18 and provides necessary services for children before, during, and immediately19 following birth. This definition shall not include any place or facility which receives20 and provides services for women who receive maternity care in the home of a21 relative within the sixth degree of kindred, computed according to civil law, or22 general or special hospitals in which maternity treatment and care is part of the23 medical services performed and the care of children only brief and incidental.24 (8)(9) "Related" or "relative" means a natural or adopted child or grandchild25 of the caregiver or a child in the legal custody of the caregiver.26 (9)(10) "Residential home" means any place, facility, or home operated by27 any institution, society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group28 to provide full-time care, twenty-four hours per day, for more than fifteen more29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 4 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. than four children who are not related to the operators and whose parents or1 guardians are not residents of the same facility, with or without transfer of custody.2 A residential home as defined in this Paragraph includes facilities known as3 children's homes, halfway houses, residential treatment centers, training schools, and4 facilities for the mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, socially maladjusted, or5 otherwise mentally or physically handicapped.6 (10)(11) "School", as referred to in R.S. 46:1415, means any institution or7 facility which provides for education of children in grades one or above. Any8 kindergarten or prekindergarten attached thereto shall be considered part of that9 school.10 (12) "Specialized provider" means a child-placing agency, maternity11 home, or residential home.12 (13) A "Type I license" means a license held by a child day care center13 or residential home that is owned or operated by a church or religious14 organization that does not wish to be licensed as a Type II or Type III center.15 "Type I license" also means a license held by a child day care center or16 residential home holding a Class B license prior to the effective date of this17 Section.18 (14) "Type I license" means the license held by a privately owned child19 day care center that either receives no state or federal funds from any source,20 whether directly or indirectly, or whose only source of state or federal funds is21 the federal food and nutrition program.22 (15) "Type II license" means the license held by any publicly- or23 privately-owned specialized provider.24 (16) "Type III license" means the license held by any publicly- or25 privately-owned child day care center which receives state or federal funds,26 directly or indirectly, from any source other than the federal food and nutrition27 program. Type III child day care centers must meet the performance and28 academic standards of the Early Childhood Care and Education Network29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 5 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. regarding kindergarten readiness, as determined by the State Board of1 Elementary and Secondary Education.2 (11)(17) "Youth" means a person not less than sixteen years of age nor older3 than twenty-one years of age.4 B. For purposes of this Chapter "child care facility" shall include community5 homes, maternity homes, group homes, child day care centers, and residential homes6 as defined in this Section.7 * * *8 §1404. Requirement of licensure9 A. All child day care facilities centers and child-placing agencies10 specialized providers, including facilities owned or operated by any governmental,11 profit, nonprofit, private, or church agency, shall be licensed pursuant to this12 Chapter. Child care licenses shall be of two four types: Class A and Class B. All13 child-placing agency licenses shall be Class A only. Type I, Type II, Type III, and14 Type IV.15 * * *16 §1405. Transitional provisions17 All child care facilities which were licensed on September 1, 1985, shall18 automatically be issued Class A licenses. All child care facilities which were19 registered on September 1, 1985, shall automatically be issued Class B licenses20 without the necessity of making an application for licensure A.(1) Until such time21 as rules are promulgated by the department, child care facilities and22 child-placing agencies shall follow the rules, regulations, and standards for23 Class A and Class B licensure as established by R.S. 46:1409 and 1413.24 (2) The department shall provide for the creation of a child care25 committee to include one representative from Louisiana's Early Childhood26 Advisory Council, the Child Care Association of Louisiana, the nonpublic27 school commission, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the28 Department of Education. The Department of Children and Family Services29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 6 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. shall seek input from the committee in the development of the rules and1 regulations establishing Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV licenses and2 shall submit all recommended rules and regulations pursuant to this Section to3 the committee for approval.4 B. All existing child day care centers or residential homes possessing a5 Class B license on July 31, 2013, shall automatically be issued an authorization6 certificate as provided by rule.7 C.(1)All child day care centers that meet the definition for a Type II8 license pursuant to this Chapter shall be issued a Type II license.9 (2) Any child day care center possessing a Class A license upon the10 effective date of this Section that meets the definition of a Type II license11 pursuant to this Chapter, shall automatically be issued a Type II license.12 D. All existing child day care centers that meet the definition for a Type13 III license pursuant to this Chapter shall be automatically issued a Type III14 license in accordance with applicable regulations.15 E.(1) All existing child placing agencies, maternity homes, and residential16 homes that meet the definition for a Type IV license pursuant to this Chapter17 shall be issued a Type IV license as provided by rule.18 (2) Any maternity home, residential home, or child-placing agency19 possessing a Class A license upon the effective date of this Section that meets the20 definition of a Type IV license pursuant to this Chapter, shall automatically be21 issued a Type IV license.22 F. Any child day care center requesting to change their license type for23 the following year shall apply to the department no later than December first24 of the preceding year. This Subsection shall not apply to child day care centers25 changing location or ownership that are required to apply for a new licence26 pursuant to Subsection 1406(D) of this Chapter.27 §1406. Licenses and authorization certificates; application; temporary or28 provisional; fees29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 7 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. A. Application for licensure of a new child day care center or specialized1 provider shall be made by the child day care center or specialized provider to2 the department upon forms furnished by the department. Upon receipt of the3 application for a license and verification that minimum requirements for such4 license as established by rule are satisfied, and that the facility or agency is in5 compliance with all other state and local laws and regulations, the department6 shall issue a Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type IV license for the appropriate7 license category for such period as may be provided for by rule.8 B. The department may provide through the promulgation of rules for9 the issuance of temporary, provisional, or extended licenses for each license10 category and type if a disapproval has not been received from any other state11 or local agency regulated by any other laws or rules to inspect such facilities or12 agencies.13 C. A license of any type or category shall apply only to the location stated14 on the application, and such license, once issued, shall not be transferable from15 one person to another or from one location to another. If the location or16 ownership of the facility is changed, then the license shall be automatically17 revoked. A new application form shall be completed prior to all license or18 authorization certificate renewals.19 D. All licensed or authorized facilities shall display the license in a20 prominent place at the facility, except that a facility operated by a church or21 religious organization may be exempt from such requirement provided the22 license is available upon request.23 E. There shall be an annual license for each type of child day care center24 and specialized provider in an amount equal to the annual license fee in full25 force and effect for all Class A and Class B child care facilities and child-placing26 agencies possessing such license upon the effective date of this Section, without27 an increase in the amount of such fees.28 F. There shall be an annual license fee of twenty-five dollars for any29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 8 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. license issued to a child day care center providing care for fifteen or fewer1 children; one hundred dollars for any license issued to a child day care center2 providing care for at least sixteen but no more than fifty children; one hundred3 seventy-five dollars for any license issued to a child day care center providing4 care for at least fifty-one but no more than one hundred children; and two5 hundred fifty dollars for any license issued to a child day care center providing6 care for more than one hundred children.7 G. There shall be an annual license fee of one hundred dollars for any8 license issued to a residential home providing care for six or less children; two9 hundred dollars for any license issued to a residential facility providing care for10 at least seven but no more than fifteen children; and three hundred dollars for11 any license issued to a residential facility providing care for sixteen or more12 children.13 H. There shall be an annual license fee of fifty dollars for any license14 issued to a child-placing agency or maternity home.15 I. The fees provided for in this Section shall not apply to any Type I child16 day care center owned or operated by a church or religious organization.17 J. Annual fees for any type or category of license shall not be increased18 unless expressly authorized by statute as provided in Article VII, § 2.1 of the19 Louisiana Constitution.20 §1407. Rules, regulations and standards for licenses21 A. The department shall promulgate regulations for each category and22 type of license to carry out the provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the23 provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall seek24 input and guidance from the Louisiana Advisory Council on Child Care and25 Early Education concerning the proposed rules and regulations for approval in26 accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.27 B.(1) The regulations developed by the department, at a minimum, shall:28 (a) Promote the health, safety, and welfare of children attending any29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 9 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. facility.1 (b) Promote safe, comfortable, and proper physical facilities.2 (c) Insure adequate supervision of those attending facilities by capable,3 qualified, and healthy personnel.4 (d) Insure adequate and healthy food service in facilities where food is5 offered.6 (e) Prohibit discrimination by child day care centers and specialized7 providers on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, handicapping8 condition, ancestry, or whether the child is being breastfed. However, this shall9 not restrict the hiring or admission policies of a licensed day care center owned10 by a church or religious organization, which may give preference in hiring or11 admission to members of the church or denomination. Nor shall it affect the12 rights of religious sectarian child-placing agencies to consider creed in any13 decision or action relating to foster care or adoption.14 (f) Require providers to have a written description of admission policies15 and criteria which expresses the needs, problems, situations, or patterns best16 addressed by its program. These policies shall be available to the person legally17 responsible for any child referred for placement.18 (g) Include procedures by which parents and guardians are given an19 opportunity for consultation and information about the educational and20 therapeutic programs for the individual in attendance.21 (h) Include regulations and standards for nighttime care.22 (i) Include procedures for the receipt, recordation, and disposition of23 complaints.24 (j) Include procedures for the child's return to the parents.25 Arrangements for the child's return to the parent shall not include third parties26 or other child care agencies unless written agreement between the child care27 agency and the parent is on file with the child care agency.28 (k) Include procedures that allow a child day care center to remedy29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 10 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. certain deficiencies immediately upon identification by the department in an1 onsite inspection, provided that any deficiency that may be remedied in such2 manner does not constitute a critical violation of licensing standards as3 determined by the department.4 (2) Any entity approved by the department shall also be required to have5 the following:6 (a) Approval from the office of the state fire marshal, code enforcement7 and building safety.8 (b) Approval from the office of public health.9 (c) Adherence by Type III child day care centers, to the performance and10 academic standards of the Early Childhood Care and Education Network11 regarding kindergarten readiness as determined by the State Board of12 Elementary and Secondary Education. The Department of Education shall base13 its approval upon the uniform accountability system.14 (3) No facility holding a Type I license shall receive any state or federal15 funds, from any source, whether directly or indirectly. If a facility holding a16 Type I license receives any state or federal funds its license shall be17 automatically revoked.18 (4) No facility holding a Type II license shall receive any state or federal19 funds, from any source, whether directly or indirectly, other than those received20 solely for food and nutrition. If a facility holding a Type II license receives any21 state or federal funds, whether directly or indirectly, other than those received22 solely for food and nutrition, its license shall be automatically revoked.23 C. The department shall prepare standard forms for applications and for24 inspection reports.25 D. A comprehensive review of all standards, rules, and regulations for26 all licenses shall be made at least every three years by the department.27 E. The secretary of the department, in specific instances, may waive28 compliance with a minimum standard upon determination that the economic29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 11 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. impact is sufficiently great to make compliance impractical, as long as the1 health and well-being of the staff or children is not imperiled. If it is determined2 that the facility or agency is meeting or exceeding the intent of a standard or3 regulation, the standard or regulation may be deemed to be met.4 F. Discrimination by child care facilities and child-placing agencies on5 the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, disability, as defined by R.S.6 51:2232(11), ancestry, or whether the child is being breastfed is prohibited.7 However, this shall not restrict the hiring or admission policies of a church or8 religious organization, which may give preference in hiring or admission to9 members of the church or denomination.10 G. The department shall not regulate or attempt to regulate or control11 the religious or spiritual content of the curriculum of a school or facility12 sponsored by a church or religious organization.13 H. Nothing in the rules, regulations, and standards adopted pursuant to14 this Section shall authorize or require medical examination, immunization, or15 treatment of any child whose parents object to such examination, immunization,16 or treatment on religious grounds.17 I. Every facility shall have a written discipline policy, which shall be18 made available to parents and to authorized inspection personnel upon request.19 * * *20 §1415. Facilities and agencies subject to regulation; exemptions21 All child day care facilities centers and child-placing agencies specialized22 providers shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter. However, private or23 public day schools serving children in grades one and above or operating, including24 any kindergartens or prekindergarten programs attached thereto, as well as25 Montessori schools, camps, and all care given without charge, shall be exempt from26 such provisions.27 * * *28 §1419. Revocation or refusal to renew license; written notice29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 12 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. The department shall have the power to deny, revoke, or refuse to renew a1 license for a child-care facility child day care center or child-placing agency2 specialized provider if an applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of this3 Chapter or any applicable, published rule or regulation of the department relating to4 child care facilities child day care centers and child-placing agencies specialized5 providers. If a license is denied, revoked, or withdrawn, the action shall be effective6 when made and the department shall notify the applicant, or licensee, or specialized7 provider of such action in writing immediately and of the reason for the denial,8 revocation, or withdrawal of the license.9 §1420. Refusal or revocation of license; appeal procedure10 A. Upon the refusal of the department to grant a license or upon the11 revocation of a license, the agency, institution, society, corporation, person or12 persons, or other group having been refused a license or having had a license13 revoked shall have the right to appeal such action by submitting a written request to14 the secretary of the department within thirty days after receipt of the notification of15 the refusal of the license or, in the case of revocation, within fifteen calendar days16 after receipt of the notification of the revocation. The appeal hearings shall be held17 no later than thirty days after the request therefor, except as provided in the18 Administrative Procedure Act, and shall be conducted in accordance with applicable19 regulations of the department and the provisions of R.S. 46:107. This provision shall20 in no way preclude the right of the party to seek relief through mandamus suit21 against the department, as provided by law.22 B. Notwithstanding any law, rule, regulation, or provision to the23 contrary, including but not limited to R.S. 49:964(A)(2), the Department of24 Children and Family Services shall be entitled to seek judicial review from any25 final decision or order rendered by the division of administrative law in any26 appeal hearing arising under this Chapter.27 §1421. Operating without or in violation of license; penalty28 Whoever operates any child day care facility center or child-placing agency29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 13 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. specialized provider, as defined in R.S. 46:1403, without a valid license issued by1 the department shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars for each day of such2 offense.3 §1422. Operating without or in violation of license; injunctive relief4 If any child day care facility center or child-placing agency specialized5 provider operates without a valid license issued by the department, the department6 may file suit in the district court in the parish in which the facility is located for7 injunctive relief, including a temporary restraining order, to restrain the institution,8 society, agency, corporation, person or persons, or any other group operating the9 facility or agency from continuing the violation. The state health officer shall have10 exclusive authority over all matters involving the prevention or spread of11 communicable diseases within a child day care facility center or child-placing12 agency specialized provider.13 * * *14 §1425. Adoption services; requirements for advertising; injunctive relief; exceptions;15 penalties16 A. It shall be unlawful for any person other than a licensed child-placing17 agency possessing a Class A or Class B license or a Louisiana-based crisis18 pregnancy center to advertise through print or electronic media that it will adopt19 children or assist in the adoption of children.20 B. If any person advertises in violation of this Section, the attorney general,21 the Department of Children and Family Services, the appropriate district attorney,22 or any licensed Class A or Class B child-placing agency or a Louisiana-based crisis23 pregnancy center may file suit in district court according to the general rules of24 venue to obtain injunctive relief to restrain the person from continuing the violation.25 * * *26 §1427. Parent-child relationship27 The Department of Social Children and Family Services shall not interfere28 with the parent-child relationship regarding the religious training of a child, where29 SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 14 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. all of the following conditions are met:1 * * *2 §1428. Immunization information; influenza3 A. Each licensed child care facility, whether licensed as a Class A or Class4 B facility, before November first of each year, shall make available to each child's5 parent or legal guardian information relative to the risks associated with influenza6 and the availability, effectiveness, known contraindications and possible side effects7 of the influenza immunization. Such information shall include the causes and8 symptoms of influenza, the means by which influenza is spread, and the places9 where a parent or legal guardian may obtain additional information and where a child10 may be immunized against influenza. Such information shall be updated annually if11 new information on such disease is available.12 * * *13 Section 2. R.S. 46:1408, 1409, 1412, 1413, and 1424 are hereby repealed.14 Section 3. Sections 1 and 2 shall become effective on January 1, 2014.15 The original instrument was prepared by Alan Miller. The following digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Christopher D. Adams. DIGEST Walsworth (SB 222) Present law provides for licensing of child-placing agencies, community homes, day care centers, group homes, maternity homes, and residential homes with Class A and Class B licenses. Proposed law provides for licensing of camps, child-placing agencies, community homes, child day care centers, group homes, maternity homes, and residential homes with Type I, II and III licenses. Proposed law defines a "specialized provider" as a child-placing agency, maternity home, or residential home. Proposed law defines a "Type I license" as a license held by a child day care center or residential home that is owned or operated by a church or religious organization that does not wish to be licensed as a Type II or Type III center. "Type I license" also means a license held by a child day care center or residential home holding a Class B license prior to the effective date of the proposed law. Proposed law defines a "Type II license" as a license held by any publicly- or privately- owned specialized provider. SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 15 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Proposed law defines a "Type III license" as a license held by any publicly- or privately- owned child day care center which receives state or federal funds, directly or indirectly, from any source other than the federal food and nutrition program. Type III child day care centers must meet the performance and academic standards of the Early Childhood Care and Education Network regarding kindergarten readiness, as determined by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Proposed law provides the department creates a child care committee to seek input in developing rules and regulations to establish Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV licenses. Proposed law provides that all child day care centers that meet the definition for a Type II license pursuant to proposed law shall be issued a Type II license. Proposed law provides any child day care center possessing a Class A license on the effective date of the proposed law that meets the definition of Type II license pursuant to proposed law shall be issued a Type II license. Proposed law provides that all existing child day care centers that meet the definition for a Type III license, or possess a Class B license pursuant to proposed law shall be issued a Type III license. Proposed law provides that all existing child placing agencies, maternity homes, and residential homes that meet the definition for a Type IV license pursuant to proposed law shall be issued a Type IV license. Proposed law provides any maternity home, residential home, or child-placing agency possessing a Class A license upon the effective date of the proposed law that meets the definition of a Type IV license pursuant to proposed law shall be issued a Type IV license. Proposed law provides any child day care center requesting to change their license type shall apply with the department no later than December first of the preceding year. Proposed law provides that all applicable fees provided for in present law remain in effect. Exempts from fees any authorized child day care center owned or operated by a church or religious organization. Proposed law requires the department to promulgate regulations for each category and type of license to carry out the provisions of proposed law in accordance with the provisions of the APA. Requires that the department seek input and guidance from the Louisiana Advisory Council on Child Care and Early Education. The regulations developed by the department, at a minimum, shall: (a)Promote the health, safety, and welfare of children attending any facility. (b)Promote safe, comfortable, and proper physical facilities. (c)Insure adequate supervision of those attending facilities by capable, qualified, and healthy personnel. (d)Insure adequate and healthy food service in facilities where food is offered. (e)Prohibit discrimination by child day care centers and specialized providers on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, handicapping condition, ancestry, or whether the child is being breastfed. However, this shall not restrict the hiring or admission policies of a licensed day care center owned by a church or religious organization, which may give preference in hiring or admission to members of the church or denomination. Nor shall it SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 16 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. affect the rights of religious sectarian child-placing agencies to consider creed in any decision or action relating to foster care or adoption. (f)Require providers to have a written description of admission policies and criteria which expresses the needs, problems, situations, or patterns best addressed by its program. These policies shall be available to the person legally responsible for any child referred for placement. (g)Include procedures by which parents and guardians are given an opportunity for consultation and information about the educational and therapeutic programs for the individual in attendance. (h)Include regulations and standards for nighttime care. (i)Include procedures for the receipt, recordation, and disposition of complaints. (j)Include procedures for the child's return to the parents. Arrangements for the child's return to the parent shall not include third parties or other child care agencies unless written agreement between the child care agency and the parent is on file with the child care agency. (k)Include procedures that allow a child day care center to remedy certain deficiencies immediately upon identification by the department in an onsite inspection, provided that any deficiency that may be remedied in such manner does not constitute a critical violation of licensing standards as determined by the department. Proposed law requires any entity approved by the department also do the following: (1)Gain approval from the office of state fire marshal. (2)Gain approval from the office of public health. (3)Adhere by Type III child care centers, to the performance and academic standards of the Early Childhood Care and Education Network regarding kindergarten readiness as determined by BESE. The Department of Education shall base its approval upon the uniform accountability system. Proposed law provides no facility holding a Type I license shall receive any state or federal funds, from any source, whether directly or indirectly. If a facility holding a Type I license receives any state or federal funds its license shall be automatically revoked. Proposed law requires that no facility holding a Type II license shall receive any state or federal funds, from any source, whether directly or indirectly, other than those received solely for food and nutrition. If a facility holding a Type II license receives any state or federal funds, whether directly or indirectly, other than those received solely for food and nutrition, its license or authorization certificate shall be automatically revoked. Proposed law requires the department to prepare standard forms for applications and for inspection reports. Proposed law requires a comprehensive review of all standards, rules, and regulations for all licenses shall be made at least every three years by the department. Proposed law allows the department secretary, in specific instances, to waive compliance with a minimum standard upon determination that the economic impact is sufficiently great to make compliance impractical, as long as the health and well-being of the staff or children is not imperiled. If it is determined that the facility or agency is meeting or exceeding the SB NO. 222 SLS 13RS-227 ENGROSSED Page 17 of 17 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. intent of a standard or regulation, the standard or regulation may be deemed to be met. Proposed law provides discrimination by child care facilities and child placing agencies on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, disability, as defined by present law, ancestry, or whether the child is being breastfed is prohibited. However, this shall not restrict the hiring or admission policies of a church or religious organization, which may give presence in hiring or admission to members of the church or denomination. Proposed law prohibits the department from regulating or attempting to regulate or control the religious or spiritual content of the curriculum of a school or facility sponsored by a church or religious organization. Proposed law provides that nothing in the rules, regulations, and standards adopted pursuant to proposed law shall authorize or require medical examination, immunization, or treatment of any child whose parents object to such examination, immunization, or treatment on religious grounds. Proposed law requires that every facility have a written discipline policy, which shall be made available to parents and to authorized inspection personnel upon request. Effective August 1, 2013. (Amends R.S. 46:1403, 1404(A), 1405, 1415, 1419 through 1422, 1425(A) and (B), 1427(intro para), and 1428(A); adds R.S. 46:1406 and 1407; and repeals R.S. 46:1408, 1409, 1412, 1413, and 1424) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the original bill 1. Removes authorization certificates. 2. Defines a Type I license. 3. Provides for licensure transition. 4. Creates a child care committee within the Department of Children and Family Services. 5.Prohibits a facility holding a Type I license from receiving any federal or state funds. 6. Prohibits discrimination. 7. Technical changes.