Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

S.B. 127 First Substitute (2021GS)

Sponsor

Sen. McKell, M.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/22/2021

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• defines terms;
• provides incident reporting requirements for persons licensed by the Office of Licensing;
• requires the Office of Licensing to review certain policies and procedures established by a human services program;
• requires a human services program to publicly post the Office of Licensing's contact information;
• requires the Office of Licensing to inspect each congregate care program multiple times a year;
• describes when a congregate care program may use a restraint or seclusion;
• requires a congregate care program to maintain suicide prevention policies;
• prohibits a human services program from engaging in sex and gender based discrimination; and
• makes technical changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Michael K. McKell
House Sponsor: 
Brady Brammer
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies provisions related to human services programs.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ defines terms;
▸ provides incident reporting requirements for persons licensed by the Office of
Licensing;
▸ requires the Office of Licensing to review certain policies and procedures
established by a human services program;
▸ requires a human services program to publicly post the Office of Licensing's contact
information;
▸ requires the Office of Licensing to inspect each congregate care program multiple
times a year;
▸ describes when a congregate care program may use a restraint or seclusion;
▸ requires a congregate care program to maintain suicide prevention policies;
▸ prohibits a human services program from engaging in sex and gender based
discrimination; and
▸ makes technical changes.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
62A-2-101
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapters 136, 193 and last
amended by Coordination Clause, Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 193
62A-2-106
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 148
62A-2-118
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 188
62A-2-120
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapters 176, 225, 250 and last
amended by Coordination Clause, Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 225
ENACTS:
62A-2-123
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
62A-2-124
, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
62A-2-101
 is amended to read:
62A-2-101.
Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Adult day care" means nonresidential care and supervision:
(a) for three or more adults for at least four but less than 24 hours a day; and
(b) that meets the needs of functionally impaired adults through a comprehensive
program that provides a variety of health, social, recreational, and related support services in a
protective setting.
(2) "Applicant" means a person who applies for an initial license or a license renewal
under this chapter.
(3) (a) "Associated with the licensee" means that an individual is:
(i) affiliated with a licensee as an owner, director, member of the governing body,
employee, agent, provider of care, department contractor, or volunteer; or
(ii) applying to become affiliated with a licensee in a capacity described in Subsection
(3)(a)(i).
(b) "Associated with the licensee" does not include:
(i) service on the following bodies, unless that service includes direct access to a child
or a vulnerable adult:
(A) a local mental health authority described in Section 
17-43-301
;
(B) a local substance abuse authority described in Section 
17-43-201
; or
(C) a board of an organization operating under a contract to provide mental health or
substance abuse programs, or services for the local mental health authority or substance abuse
authority; or
(ii) a guest or visitor whose access to a child or a vulnerable adult is directly supervised
at all times.
(4) (a) "Boarding school" means a private school that:
(i) uses a regionally accredited education program;
(ii) provides a residence to the school's students:
(A) for the purpose of enabling the school's students to attend classes at the school; and
(B) as an ancillary service to educating the students at the school;
(iii) has the primary purpose of providing the school's students with an education, as
defined in Subsection (4)(b)(i); and
(iv) (A) does not provide the treatment or services described in Subsection [
(33)(a)
]
(36)(a)
; or
(B) provides the treatment or services described in Subsection [
(33)(a)
] 
(36)(a)
 on a
limited basis, as described in Subsection (4)(b)(ii).
(b) (i) For purposes of Subsection (4)(a)(iii), "education" means a course of study for
one or more of grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
(ii) For purposes of Subsection (4)(a)(iv)(B), a private school provides the treatment or
services described in Subsection [
(33)(a)
] 
(36)(a)
 on a limited basis if:
(A) the treatment or services described in Subsection [
(33)(a)
] 
(36)(a)
 are provided
only as an incidental service to a student; and
(B) the school does not:
(I) specifically solicit a student for the purpose of providing the treatment or services
described in Subsection [
(33)(a)
] 
(36)(a)
; or
(II) have a primary purpose of providing the treatment or services described in
Subsection [
(33)(a)
] 
(36)(a)
.
(c) "Boarding school" does not include a therapeutic school.
(5) "Child" means [
a person
] 
an individual
 under 18 years [
of age
] 
old
.
(6) "Child placing" means receiving, accepting, or providing custody or care for any
child, temporarily or permanently, for the purpose of:
(a) finding a person to adopt the child;
(b) placing the child in a home for adoption; or
(c) foster home placement.
(7) "Child-placing agency" means a person that engages in child placing.
(8) "Client" means an individual who receives or has received services from a licensee.
(9) "Congregate care program" means any of the following that provide services to a
child:
(a) an outdoor youth program;
(b) a residential support program;
(c) a residential treatment program; or
(d) a therapeutic school.
[
(9)
] 
(10)
 "Day treatment" means specialized treatment that is provided to:
(a) a client less than 24 hours a day; and
(b) four or more persons who:
(i) are unrelated to the owner or provider; and
(ii) have emotional, psychological, developmental, physical, or behavioral
dysfunctions, impairments, or chemical dependencies.
[
(10)
] 
(11)
 "Department" means the Department of Human Services.
[
(11)
] 
(12)
 "Department contractor" means an individual who:
(a) provides services under a contract with the department; and
(b) due to the contract with the department, has or will likely have direct access to a
child or vulnerable adult.
[
(12)
] 
(13)
 "Direct access" means that an individual has, or likely will have:
(a) contact with or access to a child or vulnerable adult that provides the individual
with an opportunity for personal communication or touch; or
(b) an opportunity to view medical, financial, or other confidential personal identifying
information of the child, the child's parents or legal guardians, or the vulnerable adult.
[
(13)
] 
(14)
 "Directly supervised" means that an individual is being supervised under
the uninterrupted visual and auditory surveillance of another individual who has a current
background screening approval issued by the office.
[
(14)
] 
(15)
 "Director" means the director of the Office of Licensing.
[
(15)
] 
(16)
 "Domestic violence" means the same as that term is defined in Section
77-36-1
.
[
(16)
] 
(17)
 "Domestic violence treatment program" means a nonresidential program
designed to provide psychological treatment and educational services to perpetrators and
victims of domestic violence.
[
(17)
] 
(18)
 "Elder adult" means a person 65 years [
of age
] 
old
 or older.
[
(18)
] 
(19)
 "Executive director" means the executive director of the department.
[
(19)
] 
(20)
 "Foster home" means a residence that is licensed or certified by the Office
of Licensing for the full-time substitute care of a child.
[
(20)
] 
(21)
 "Health benefit plan" means the same as that term is defined in Section
31A-1-301
.
[
(21)
] 
(22)
 "Health care provider" means the same as that term is defined in Section
78B-3-403
.
[
(22)
] 
(23)
 "Health insurer" means the same as that term is defined in Section
31A-22-615.5
.
[
(23)
] 
(24)
 (a) "Human services program" means [
a
]:
(i) 
a
 foster home;
(ii) 
a
 therapeutic school;
(iii) 
a
 youth program;
(iv) an outdoor youth program;
(v) a residential treatment program;
(vi) a residential support program;
[
(iv)
] 
(vii) a
 resource family home;
[
(v)
] 
(viii) a
 recovery residence; or
[
(vi)
] 
(ix) a
 facility or program that provides:
[
(A) secure treatment;
]
[
(B) inpatient treatment;
]
[
(C) residential treatment;
]
[
(D) residential support;
]
[
(E)
] 
(A)
 adult day care;
[
(F)
] 
(B)
 day treatment;
[
(G)
] 
(C)
 outpatient treatment;
[
(H)
] 
(D)
 domestic violence treatment;
[
(I)
] 
(E)
 child-placing services;
[
(J)
] 
(F)
 social detoxification; or
[
(K)
] 
(G)
 any other human services that are required by contract with the department to
be licensed with the department.
(b) "Human services program" does not include:
(i) a boarding school; or
(ii) a residential, vocational and life skills program, as defined in Section 
13-53-102
.
[
(24)
] 
(25)
 "Indian child" means the same as that term is defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec.
1903.
[
(25)
] 
(26)
 "Indian country" means the same as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. Sec.
1151.
[
(26)
] 
(27)
 "Indian tribe" means the same as that term is defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec.
1903.
(28) "Intermediate secure treatment" means 24-hour specialized residential treatment or
care for an individual who:
(a) cannot live independently or in a less restrictive environment; and
(b) requires, without the individual's consent or control, the use of locked doors to care
for the individual.
[
(27)
] 
(29)
 "Licensee" means an individual or a human services program licensed by
the office.
[
(28)
] 
(30)
 "Local government" means a city, town, metro township, or county.
[
(29)
] 
(31)
 "Minor" has the same meaning as "child."
[
(30)
] 
(32)
 "Office" means the Office of Licensing within the Department of Human
Services.
(33) "Outdoor youth program" means a program that provides:
(a) services to a child that has:
(i) a chemical dependency; or
(ii) a dysfunction or impairment that is emotional, psychological, developmental, or
behavioral;
(b) a 24-hour outdoor group living environment; and
(c) (i) regular therapy, including group, individual, or supportive family therapy; or
(ii) informal therapy or similar services, including wilderness therapy, adventure
therapy, or outdoor behavioral healthcare.
[
(31)
] 
(34)
 "Outpatient treatment" means individual, family, or group therapy or
counseling designed to improve and enhance social or psychological functioning for those
whose physical and emotional status allows them to continue functioning in their usual living
environment.
[
(32)
] 
(35)
 "Practice group" or "group practice" means two or more health care
providers legally organized as a partnership, professional corporation, or similar association,
for which:
(a) substantially all of the services of the health care providers who are members of the
group are provided through the group and are billed in the name of the group and amounts
received are treated as receipts of the group; and
(b) the overhead expenses of and the income from the practice are distributed in
accordance with methods previously determined by members of the group.
[
(33)
] 
(36)
 (a) "Recovery residence" means a home, residence, or facility that meets at
least two of the following requirements:
(i) provides a supervised living environment for individuals recovering from a
substance use disorder;
(ii) provides a living environment in which more than half of the individuals in the
residence are recovering from a substance use disorder;
(iii) provides or arranges for residents to receive services related to their recovery from
a substance use disorder, either on or off site;
(iv) is held out as a living environment in which individuals recovering from substance
abuse disorders live together to encourage continued sobriety; or
(v) (A) receives public funding; or
(B) is run as a business venture, either for-profit or not-for-profit.
(b) "Recovery residence" does not mean:
(i) a residential treatment program;
(ii) residential support; or
(iii) a home, residence, or facility, in which:
(A) residents, by their majority vote, establish, implement, and enforce policies
governing the living environment, including the manner in which applications for residence are
approved and the manner in which residents are expelled;
(B) residents equitably share rent and housing-related expenses; and
(C) a landlord, owner, or operator does not receive compensation, other than fair
market rental income, for establishing, implementing, or enforcing policies governing the
living environment.
[
(34)
] 
(37)
 "Regular business hours" means:
(a) the hours during which services of any kind are provided to a client; or
(b) the hours during which a client is present at the facility of a licensee.
[
(35)
] 
(38)
 (a) "Residential support 
program
" means [
arranging for or providing
] 
a
program that arranges for or provides
 the necessities of life as a protective service to
individuals or families who have a disability or who are experiencing a dislocation or
emergency that prevents them from providing these services for themselves or their families.
(b) "Residential support 
program
" includes [
providing
] a 
program that provides a
supervised living environment for [
persons
] 
individuals
 with dysfunctions or impairments that
are:
(i) emotional;
(ii) psychological;
(iii) developmental; or
(iv) behavioral.
(c) Treatment is not a necessary component of 
a
 residential support 
program
.
(d) "Residential support 
program
" does not include:
(i) a recovery residence; or
(ii) 
a program that provides
 residential services that are performed:
(A) exclusively under contract with 
the department and provided to individuals through
the Division of Services for People with Disabilities; or
(B) in a facility that serves fewer than four individuals.
[
(36)
] 
(39)
 (a) "Residential treatment" means a 24-hour group living environment for
four or more individuals unrelated to the owner or provider that offers room or board and
specialized treatment, behavior modification, rehabilitation, discipline, emotional growth, or
habilitation services for persons with emotional, psychological, developmental, or behavioral
dysfunctions, impairments, or chemical dependencies.
(b) "Residential treatment" does not include a:
(i) boarding school;
(ii) foster home; or
(iii) recovery residence.
[
(37)
] 
(40)
 "Residential treatment program" means a [
human services program
] 
a
program or facility
 that provides:
(a) residential treatment; or
(b) 
intermediate
 secure treatment.
[
(38) (a) "Secure treatment" means 24-hour specialized residential treatment or care for
persons whose current functioning is such that they cannot live independently or in a less
restrictive environment.
]
[
(b) "Secure treatment" differs from residential treatment to the extent that it requires
intensive supervision, locked doors, and other security measures that are imposed on residents
with neither their consent nor control.
]
(41) "Seclusion" means the involuntary confinement of an individual in a room or an
area:
(a) away from the individual's peers; and
(b) in a manner that physically prevents the individual from leaving the room or area.
[
(39)
] 
(42)
 "Social detoxification" means short-term residential services for persons
who are experiencing or have recently experienced drug or alcohol intoxication, that are
provided outside of a health care facility licensed under Title 26, Chapter 21, Health Care
Facility Licensing and Inspection Act, and that include:
(a) room and board for persons who are unrelated to the owner or manager of the
facility;
(b) specialized rehabilitation to acquire sobriety; and
(c) aftercare services.
[
(40)
] 
(43)
 "Substance abuse disorder" or "substance use disorder" mean the same as
"substance use disorder" is defined in Section 
62A-15-1202
.
[
(41)
] 
(44)
 "Substance abuse treatment program" or "substance use disorder treatment
program" means a program:
(a) designed to provide:
(i) specialized drug or alcohol treatment;
(ii) rehabilitation; or
(iii) habilitation services; and
(b) that provides the treatment or services described in Subsection [
(41)
] 
(44)
(a) to
persons with:
(i) a diagnosed substance use disorder; or
(ii) chemical dependency disorder.
[
(42)
] 
(45)
 "Therapeutic school" means a residential group living facility:
(a) for four or more individuals that are not related to:
(i) the owner of the facility; or
(ii) the primary service provider of the facility;
(b) that serves students who have a history of failing to function:
(i) at home;
(ii) in a public school; or
(iii) in a nonresidential private school; and
(c) that offers:
(i) room and board; and
(ii) an academic education integrated with:
(A) specialized structure and supervision; or
(B) services or treatment related to:
(I) a disability;
(II) emotional development;
(III) behavioral development;
(IV) familial development; or
(V) social development.
[
(43)
] 
(46)
 "Unrelated persons" means persons other than parents, legal guardians,
grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, or aunts.
[
(44)
] 
(47)
 "Vulnerable adult" means an elder adult or an adult who has a temporary or
permanent mental or physical impairment that substantially affects the person's ability to:
(a) provide personal protection;
(b) provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or mental or other health care;
(c) obtain services necessary for health, safety, or welfare;
(d) carry out the activities of daily living;
(e) manage the adult's own resources; or
(f) comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in a situation of abuse,
neglect, or exploitation.
[
(45)
] 
(48)
 (a) "Youth program" means a [
nonresidential
] program designed to provide
behavioral, substance abuse, or mental health services to minors that:
(i) serves adjudicated or nonadjudicated youth;
(ii) charges a fee for its services;
(iii) may [
or may not
] provide host homes or other arrangements for overnight
accommodation of the youth;
(iv) may [
or may not
] provide all or part of its services in the outdoors;
(v) may [
or may not
] limit or censor access to parents or guardians; and
(vi) prohibits or restricts a minor's ability to leave the program at any time of the
minor's own free will.
(b) "Youth program" does not include recreational programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, 4-H, and other such organizations.
Section 2. Section 
62A-2-106
 is amended to read:
62A-2-106.
Office responsibilities.
(1) Subject to the requirements of federal and state law, the office shall:
(a) make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
Rulemaking Act, to establish:
(i) except as provided in Subsection (1)(a)(ii), basic health and safety standards for
licensees, that shall be limited to:
(A) fire safety;
(B) food safety;
(C) sanitation;
(D) infectious disease control;
(E) safety of the:
(I) physical facility and grounds; and
(II) area and community surrounding the physical facility;
(F) transportation safety;
(G) emergency preparedness and response;
(H) the administration of medical standards and procedures, consistent with the related
provisions of this title;
(I) staff and client safety and protection;
(J) the administration and maintenance of client and service records;
(K) staff qualifications and training, including standards for permitting experience to
be substituted for education, unless prohibited by law;
(L) staff to client ratios;
(M) access to firearms; and
(N) the prevention of abuse, neglect, exploitation, harm, mistreatment, or fraud;
(ii) basic health and safety standards for therapeutic schools, that shall be limited to:
(A) fire safety, except that the standards are limited to those required by law or rule
under Title 53, Chapter 7, Part 2, Fire Prevention and Fireworks Act;
(B) food safety;
(C) sanitation;
(D) infectious disease control, except that the standards are limited to:
(I) those required by law or rule under Title 26, Utah Health Code, or Title 26A, Local
Health Authorities; and
(II) requiring a separate room for clients who are sick;
(E) safety of the physical facility and grounds, except that the standards are limited to
those required by law or rule under Title 53, Chapter 7, Part 2, Fire Prevention and Fireworks
Act;
(F) transportation safety;
(G) emergency preparedness and response;
(H) access to appropriate medical care, including:
(I) subject to the requirements of law, designation of a person who is authorized to
dispense medication; and
(II) storing, tracking, and securing medication;
(I) staff and client safety and protection that permits the school to provide for the direct
supervision of clients at all times;
(J) the administration and maintenance of client and service records;
(K) staff qualifications and training, including standards for permitting experience to
be substituted for education, unless prohibited by law;
(L) staff to client ratios;
(M) access to firearms; and
(N) the prevention of abuse, neglect, exploitation, harm, mistreatment, or fraud;
(iii) procedures and standards for permitting a licensee to:
(A) provide in the same facility and under the same conditions as children, residential
treatment services to a person 18 years old or older who:
(I) begins to reside at the licensee's residential treatment facility before the person's
18th birthday;
(II) has resided at the licensee's residential treatment facility continuously since the
time described in Subsection (1)(a)(iii)(A)(I);
(III) has not completed the course of treatment for which the person began residing at
the licensee's residential treatment facility; and
(IV) voluntarily consents to complete the course of treatment described in Subsection
(1)(a)(iii)(A)(III); or
(B) (I) provide residential treatment services to a child who is:
(Aa) [
years old or older
] 
at least 12 years old or, as approved by the office, younger
than 12 years old
; and
(Bb) under the custody of the Department of Human Services, or one of its divisions;
and
(II) provide, in the same facility as a child described in Subsection (1)(a)(iii)(B)(I),
residential treatment services to a person who is:
(Aa) at least 18 years old, but younger than 21 years old; and
(Bb) under the custody of the Department of Human Services, or one of its divisions;
(iv) minimum administration and financial requirements for licensees;
(v) guidelines for variances from rules established under this Subsection (1);
(vi) ethical standards, as described in Subsection 
78B-6-106
(3), and minimum
responsibilities of a child-placing agency that provides adoption services and that is licensed
under this chapter;
(vii) what constitutes an "outpatient treatment program" for purposes of this chapter;
(viii) a procedure requiring a licensee to provide an insurer the licensee's records
related to any services or supplies billed to the insurer, and a procedure allowing the licensee
and the insurer to contact the Insurance Department to resolve any disputes;
(ix) a protocol for the office to investigate and process complaints about licensees;
[
and
]
(x) a procedure for [
licensees to report incidents;
] 
a licensee to:
(A) report the use of a restraint or seclusion within one business day after the day on
which the use of the restraint or seclusion occurs; and
(B) report a critical incident within one business day after the day on which the
incident occurs;
(xi) guidelines for the policies and procedures described in Sections 
62A-2-123
 and
62A-2-124
;
(xii) a procedure for the office to review and approve the policies and procedures
described in Sections 
62A-2-123
 and 
62A-2-124
; and
(xiii) a requirement that each human services program publicly post information that
informs an individual how to submit a complaint about a human services program to the office;
(b) enforce rules relating to the office;
(c) issue licenses in accordance with this chapter;
(d) if the United States Department of State executes an agreement with the office that
designates the office to act as an accrediting entity in accordance with the Intercountry
Adoption Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-279, accredit one or more agencies and persons to
provide intercountry adoption services pursuant to:
(i) the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-279; and
(ii) the implementing regulations for the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, Pub. L.
No. 106-279;
(e) make rules to implement the provisions of Subsection (1)(d);
(f) conduct surveys and inspections of licensees and facilities in accordance with
Section 
62A-2-118
;
(g) collect licensure fees;
(h) notify licensees of the name of a person within the department to contact when
filing a complaint;
(i) investigate complaints regarding any licensee or human services program;
(j) have access to all records, correspondence, and financial data required to be
maintained by a licensee;
(k) have authority to interview any client, family member of a client, employee, or
officer of a licensee;
(l) have authority to deny, condition, revoke, suspend, or extend any license issued by
the department under this chapter by following the procedures and requirements of Title 63G,
Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act;
(m) electronically post notices of agency action issued to a human services program,
with the exception of a foster home, on the office's website, in accordance with Title 63G,
Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act; and
(n) upon receiving a local government's request under Section 
62A-2-108.4
, notify the
local government of new human services program license applications, except for foster
homes, for human services programs located within the local government's jurisdiction. 
(2) In establishing rules under Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(G), the office shall require a
licensee to establish and comply with an emergency response plan that requires clients and staff
to:
(a) immediately report to law enforcement any significant criminal activity, as defined
by rule, committed:
(i) on the premises where the licensee operates its human services program;
(ii) by or against its clients; or
(iii) by or against a staff member while the staff member is on duty;
(b) immediately report to emergency medical services any medical emergency, as
defined by rule:
(i) on the premises where the licensee operates its human services program;
(ii) involving its clients; or
(iii) involving a staff member while the staff member is on duty; and
(c) immediately report other emergencies that occur on the premises where the licensee
operates its human services program to the appropriate emergency services agency.
Section 3. Section 
62A-2-118
 is amended to read:
62A-2-118.
Administrative inspections.
(1) 
(a)
 [
The
] 
Subject to Subsection (1)(b), the
 office may, for the purpose of
ascertaining compliance with this chapter, enter and inspect on a routine basis the facility of a
licensee.
(b) (i) The office shall enter and inspect a congregate care program at least once each
calendar quarter.
(ii) At least two of the inspections described in Subsection (1)(b)(i) shall be
unannounced.
(c) If another government entity conducts an inspection that is substantially similar to
an inspection conducted by the office, the office may conclude the inspection satisfies an
inspection described in Subsection (1)(b).
(2) Before conducting an inspection under Subsection (1), the office shall, after
identifying the person in charge:
(a) give proper identification;
(b) request to see the applicable license;
(c) describe the nature and purpose of the inspection; and
(d) if necessary, explain the authority of the office to conduct the inspection and the
penalty for refusing to permit the inspection as provided in Section 
62A-2-116
.
(3) In conducting an inspection under Subsection (1), the office may, after meeting the
requirements of Subsection (2):
(a) inspect the physical facilities;
(b) inspect and copy records and documents;
(c) interview officers, employees, clients, family members of clients, and others; and
(d) observe the licensee in operation.
(4) An inspection conducted under Subsection (1) shall be during regular business
hours and may be announced or unannounced.
(5) The licensee shall make copies of inspection reports available to the public upon
request.
(6) The provisions of this section apply to on-site inspections and do not restrict the
office from contacting family members, neighbors, or other individuals, or from seeking
information from other sources to determine compliance with this chapter.
Section 4. Section 
62A-2-120
 is amended to read:
62A-2-120.
Background check -- Direct access to children or vulnerable adults.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) (i) "Applicant" means:
(A) the same as that term is defined in Section 
62A-2-101
;
(B) an individual who is associated with a licensee and has or will likely have direct
access to a child or a vulnerable adult;
(C) an individual who provides respite care to a foster parent or an adoptive parent on
more than one occasion;
(D) a department contractor;
(E) a guardian submitting an application on behalf of an individual, other than the child
or vulnerable adult who is receiving the service, if the individual is 12 years [
of age
] 
old
 or
older and resides in a home, that is licensed or certified by the office, with the child or
vulnerable adult who is receiving services; or
(F) a guardian submitting an application on behalf of an individual, other than the child
or vulnerable adult who is receiving the service, if the individual is 12 years [
of age
] 
old
 or
older and is a person described in Subsection (1)(a)(i)(A), (B), (C), or (D).
(ii) "Applicant" does not mean an individual, including an adult, who is in the custody
of the Division of Child and Family Services or the Division of Juvenile Justice Services.
(b) "Application" means a background screening application to the office.
(c) "Bureau" means the Bureau of Criminal Identification within the Department of
Public Safety, created in Section 
53-10-201
.
(d) "Incidental care" means occasional care, not in excess of five hours per week and
never overnight, for a foster child. 
(e) "Personal identifying information" means:
(i) current name, former names, nicknames, and aliases;
(ii) date of birth;
(iii) physical address and email address;
(iv) telephone number;
(v) driver license or other government-issued identification;
(vi) social security number;
(vii) only for applicants who are 18 years [
of age
] 
old
 or older, fingerprints, in a form
specified by the office; and
(viii) other information specified by the office by rule made in accordance with Title
63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (13), an applicant or a representative shall
submit the following to the office:
(i) personal identifying information;
(ii) a fee established by the office under Section 
63J-1-504
; and
(iii) a disclosure form, specified by the office, for consent for:
(A) an initial background check upon submission of the information described under
this Subsection (2)(a);
(B) ongoing monitoring of fingerprints and registries until no longer associated with a
licensee for 90 days;
(C) a background check when the office determines that reasonable cause exists; and
(D) retention of personal identifying information, including fingerprints, for
monitoring and notification as described in Subsections (3)(d) and (4).
(b) In addition to the requirements described in Subsection (2)(a), if an applicant
resided outside of the United States and its territories during the five years immediately
preceding the day on which the information described in Subsection (2)(a) is submitted to the
office, the office may require the applicant to submit documentation establishing whether the
applicant was convicted of a crime during the time that the applicant resided outside of the
United States or its territories.
(3) The office:
(a) shall perform the following duties as part of a background check of an applicant:
(i) check state and regional criminal background databases for the applicant's criminal
history by:
(A) submitting personal identifying information to the bureau for a search; or
(B) using the applicant's personal identifying information to search state and regional
criminal background databases as authorized under Section 
53-10-108
;
(ii) submit the applicant's personal identifying information and fingerprints to the
bureau for a criminal history search of applicable national criminal background databases;
(iii) search the Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services'
Licensing Information System described in Section 
62A-4a-1006
;
(iv) search the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services'
vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation database described in Section 
62A-3-311.1
;
(v) search the juvenile court records for substantiated findings of severe child abuse or
neglect described in Section 
78A-6-323
; and
(vi) search the juvenile court arrest, adjudication, and disposition records, as provided
under Section 
78A-6-209
;
(b) shall conduct a background check of an applicant for an initial background check
upon submission of the information described under Subsection (2)(a);
(c) may conduct all or portions of a background check of an applicant, as provided by
rule, made by the office in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
Rulemaking Act:
(i) for an annual renewal; or
(ii) when the office determines that reasonable cause exists;
(d) may submit an applicant's personal identifying information, including fingerprints,
to the bureau for checking, retaining, and monitoring of state and national criminal background
databases and for notifying the office of new criminal activity associated with the applicant;
(e) shall track the status of an approved applicant under this section to ensure that an
approved applicant is not required to duplicate the submission of the applicant's fingerprints if
the applicant applies for:
(i) more than one license;
(ii) direct access to a child or a vulnerable adult in more than one human services
program; or
(iii) direct access to a child or a vulnerable adult under a contract with the department;
(f) shall track the status of each license and each individual with direct access to a child
or a vulnerable adult and notify the bureau within 90 days after the day on which the license
expires or the individual's direct access to a child or a vulnerable adult ceases;
(g) shall adopt measures to strictly limit access to personal identifying information
solely to the individuals responsible for processing and entering the applications for
background checks and to protect the security of the personal identifying information the office
reviews under this Subsection (3);
(h) as necessary to comply with the federal requirement to check a state's child abuse
and neglect registry regarding any individual working in a congregate care [
setting that serves
children
] 
program
, shall:
(i) search the Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services'
Licensing Information System described in Section 
62A-4a-1006
; and
(ii) require the child abuse and neglect registry be checked in each state where an
applicant resided at any time during the five years immediately preceding the day on which the
applicant submits the information described in Subsection (2)(a) to the office; and
(i) shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative
Rulemaking Act, to implement the provisions of this Subsection (3) relating to background
checks.
(4) (a) With the personal identifying information the office submits to the bureau under
Subsection (3), the bureau shall check against state and regional criminal background databases
for the applicant's criminal history.
(b) With the personal identifying information and fingerprints the office submits to the
bureau under Subsection (3), the bureau shall check against national criminal background
databases for the applicant's criminal history.
(c) Upon direction from the office, and with the personal identifying information and
fingerprints the office submits to the bureau under Subsection (3)(d), the bureau shall:
(i) maintain a separate file of the fingerprints for search by future submissions to the
local and regional criminal records databases, including latent prints; and
(ii) monitor state and regional criminal background databases and identify criminal
activity associated with the applicant.
(d) The bureau is authorized to submit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation Next Generation Identification System, to be retained in the Federal Bureau of
Investigation Next Generation Identification System for the purpose of:
(i) being searched by future submissions to the national criminal records databases,
including the Federal Bureau of Investigation Next Generation Identification System and latent
prints; and
(ii) monitoring national criminal background databases and identifying criminal
activity associated with the applicant.
(e) The Bureau shall notify and release to the office all information of criminal activity
associated with the applicant.
(f) Upon notice from the office that a license has expired or an individual's direct
access to a child or a vulnerable adult has ceased for 90 days, the bureau shall:
(i) discard and destroy any retained fingerprints; and
(ii) notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation when the license has expired or an
individual's direct access to a child or a vulnerable adult has ceased, so that the Federal Bureau
of Investigation will discard and destroy the retained fingerprints from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation Next Generation Identification System.
(5) (a) After conducting the background check described in Subsections (3) and (4), the
office shall deny an application to an applicant who, within three years before the day on which
the applicant submits information to the office under Subsection (2) for a background check,
has been convicted of any of the following, regardless of whether the offense is a felony, a
misdemeanor, or an infraction:
(i) an offense identified as domestic violence, lewdness, voyeurism, battery, cruelty to
animals, or bestiality;
(ii) a violation of any pornography law, including sexual exploitation of a minor;
(iii) prostitution;
(iv) an offense included in:
(A) Title 76, Chapter 5, Offenses Against the Person;
(B) Section 
76-5b-201
, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor; or
(C) Title 76, Chapter 7, Offenses Against the Family;
(v) aggravated arson, as described in Section 
76-6-103
;
(vi) aggravated burglary, as described in Section 
76-6-203
;
(vii) aggravated robbery, as described in Section 
76-6-302
;
(viii) identity fraud crime, as described in Section 
76-6-1102
; or
(ix) a felony or misdemeanor offense committed outside of the state that, if committed
in the state, would constitute a violation of an offense described in Subsections (5)(a)(i)
through (viii).
(b) If the office denies an application to an applicant based on a conviction described in
Subsection (5)(a), the applicant is not entitled to a comprehensive review described in
Subsection (6).
(c) If the applicant will be working in a program serving only adults whose only
impairment is a mental health diagnosis, including that of a serious mental health disorder,
with or without co-occurring substance use disorder, the denial provisions of Subsection (5)(a)
do not apply, and the office shall conduct a comprehensive review as described in Subsection
(6).
(6) (a) The office shall conduct a comprehensive review of an applicant's background
check if the applicant:
(i) has an open court case or a conviction for any felony offense, not described in
Subsection (5)(a), with a date of conviction that is no more than 10 years before the date on
which the applicant submits the application;
(ii) has an open court case or a conviction for a misdemeanor offense, not described in
Subsection (5)(a), and designated by the office, by rule, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter
3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, if the conviction is within three years before the day
on which the applicant submits information to the office under Subsection (2) for a background
check;
(iii) has a conviction for any offense described in Subsection (5)(a) that occurred more
than three years before the day on which the applicant submitted information under Subsection
(2)(a);
(iv) is currently subject to a plea in abeyance or diversion agreement for any offense
described in Subsection (5)(a);
(v) has a listing in the Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family
Services' Licensing Information System described in Section 
62A-4a-1006
;
(vi) has a listing in the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult
Services' vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation database described in Section
62A-3-311.1
;
(vii) has a record in the juvenile court of a substantiated finding of severe child abuse
or neglect described in Section 
78A-6-323
;
(viii) has a record of an adjudication in juvenile court for an act that, if committed by
an adult, would be a felony or misdemeanor, if the applicant is:
(A) under 28 years [
of age
] 
old
; or
(B) 28 years [
of age
] 
old
 or older and has been convicted of, has pleaded no contest to,
or is currently subject to a plea in abeyance or diversion agreement for a felony or a
misdemeanor offense described in Subsection (5)(a);
(ix) has a pending charge for an offense described in Subsection (5)(a); or
(x) is an applicant described in Subsection (5)(c).
(b) The comprehensive review described in Subsection (6)(a) shall include an
examination of:
(i) the date of the offense or incident;
(ii) the nature and seriousness of the offense or incident;
(iii) the circumstances under which the offense or incident occurred;
(iv) the age of the perpetrator when the offense or incident occurred;
(v) whether the offense or incident was an isolated or repeated incident;
(vi) whether the offense or incident directly relates to abuse of a child or vulnerable
adult, including:
(A) actual or threatened, nonaccidental physical, mental, or financial harm;
(B) sexual abuse;
(C) sexual exploitation; or
(D) negligent treatment;
(vii) any evidence provided by the applicant of rehabilitation, counseling, psychiatric
treatment received, or additional academic or vocational schooling completed;
(viii) the applicant's risk of harm to clientele in the program or in the capacity for
which the applicant is applying; and
(ix) any other pertinent information presented to or publicly available to the committee
members.
(c) At the conclusion of the comprehensive review described in Subsection (6)(a), the
office shall deny an application to an applicant if the office finds that approval would likely
create a risk of harm to a child or a vulnerable adult.
(d) At the conclusion of the comprehensive review described in Subsection (6)(a), the
office may not deny an application to an applicant solely because the applicant was convicted
of an offense that occurred 10 or more years before the day on which the applicant submitted
the information required under Subsection (2)(a) if:
(i) the applicant has not committed another misdemeanor or felony offense after the
day on which the conviction occurred; and
(ii) the applicant has never been convicted of an offense described in Subsection
(14)(c).
(e) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
office may make rules, consistent with this chapter, to establish procedures for the
comprehensive review described in this Subsection (6).
(7) Subject to Subsection (10), the office shall approve an application to an applicant
who is not denied under Subsection (5), (6), or [
(13)
] 
(14)
.
(8) (a) The office may conditionally approve an application of an applicant, for a
maximum of 60 days after the day on which the office sends written notice to the applicant
under Subsection (12), without requiring that the applicant be directly supervised, if the office:
(i) is awaiting the results of the criminal history search of national criminal background
databases; and
(ii) would otherwise approve an application of the applicant under Subsection (7).
(b) The office may conditionally approve an application of an applicant, for a
maximum of one year after the day on which the office sends written notice to the applicant
under Subsection (12), without requiring that the applicant be directly supervised if the office:
(i) is awaiting the results of an out-of-state registry for providers other than foster and
adoptive parents; and
(ii) would otherwise approve an application of the applicant under Subsection (7).
(c) Upon receiving the results of the criminal history search of a national criminal
background database, the office shall approve or deny the application of the applicant in
accordance with Subsections (5) through (7).
(9) A licensee or department contractor may not permit an individual to have direct
access to a child or a vulnerable adult unless, subject to Subsection (10):
(a) the individual is associated with the licensee or department contractor and:
(i) the individual's application is approved by the office under this section;
(ii) the individual's application is conditionally approved by the office under
Subsection (8); or
(iii) (A) the individual has submitted the background check information described in
Subsection (2) to the office;
(B) the office has not determined whether to approve the applicant's application; and
(C) the individual is directly supervised by an individual who has a current background
screening approval issued by the office under this section and is associated with the licensee or
department contractor;
(b) (i) the individual is associated with the licensee or department contractor;
(ii) the individual has a current background screening approval issued by the office
under this section;
(iii) one of the following circumstances, that the office has not yet reviewed under
Subsection (6), applies to the individual:
(A) the individual was charged with an offense described in Subsection (5)(a);
(B) the individual is listed in the Licensing Information System, described in Section
62A-4a-1006
;
(C) the individual is listed in the vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation
database, described in Section 
62A-3-311.1
;
(D) the individual has a record in the juvenile court of a substantiated finding of severe
child abuse or neglect, described in Section 
78A-6-323
; or
(E) the individual has a record of an adjudication in juvenile court for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony or a misdemeanor as described in Subsection (5)(a)
or (6); and
(iv) the individual is directly supervised by an individual who:
(A) has a current background screening approval issued by the office under this
section; and
(B) is associated with the licensee or department contractor;
(c) the individual:
(i) is not associated with the licensee or department contractor; and
(ii) is directly supervised by an individual who:
(A) has a current background screening approval issued by the office under this
section; and
(B) is associated with the licensee or department contractor;
(d) the individual is the parent or guardian of the child, or the guardian of the
vulnerable adult;
(e) the individual is approved by the parent or guardian of the child, or the guardian of
the vulnerable adult, to have direct access to the child or the vulnerable adult;
(f) the individual is only permitted to have direct access to a vulnerable adult who
voluntarily invites the individual to visit; or
(g) the individual only provides incidental care for a foster child on behalf of a foster
parent who has used reasonable and prudent judgment to select the individual to provide the
incidental care for the foster child. 
(10) An individual may not have direct access to a child or a vulnerable adult if the
individual is prohibited by court order from having that access.
(11) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an individual for whom the
office denies an application may not have direct access to a child or vulnerable adult unless the
office approves a subsequent application by the individual.
(12) (a) Within 30 days after the day on which the office receives the background
check information for an applicant, the office shall give notice of the clearance status to:
(i) the applicant, and the licensee or department contractor, of the office's decision
regarding the background check and findings; and
(ii) the applicant of any convictions and potentially disqualifying charges and
adjudications found in the search.
(b) With the notice described in Subsection (12)(a), the office shall also give the
applicant the details of any comprehensive review conducted under Subsection (6).
(c) If the notice under Subsection (12)(a) states that the applicant's application is
denied, the notice shall further advise the applicant that the applicant may, under Subsection
62A-2-111
(2), request a hearing in the department's Office of Administrative Hearings, to
challenge the office's decision.
(d) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
office shall make rules, consistent with this chapter:
(i) defining procedures for the challenge of the office's background check decision
described in Subsection (12)(c); and
(ii) expediting the process for renewal of a license under the requirements of this
section and other applicable sections.
(13) An individual or a department contractor who provides services in an adults only
substance use disorder program, as defined by rule, is exempt from this section. This
exemption does not extend to a program director or a member, as defined by Section
62A-2-108
, of the program. 
(14) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (14)(b), in addition to the other requirements
of this section, if the background check of an applicant is being conducted for the purpose of
giving clearance status to an applicant seeking a position in a congregate care [
facility
]
program
, an applicant for a one-time adoption, an applicant seeking to provide a prospective
foster home, or an applicant seeking to provide a prospective adoptive home, the office shall:
(i) check the child abuse and neglect registry in each state where each applicant resided
in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the applicant applied to be a foster
parent or adoptive parent, to determine whether the prospective foster parent or prospective
adoptive parent is listed in the registry as having a substantiated or supported finding of child
abuse or neglect; and
(ii) check the child abuse and neglect registry in each state where each adult living in
the home of the applicant described in Subsection (14)(a)(i) resided in the five years
immediately preceding the day on which the applicant applied to be a foster parent or adoptive
parent, to determine whether the adult is listed in the registry as having a substantiated or
supported finding of child abuse or neglect.
(b) The requirements described in Subsection (14)(a) do not apply to the extent that:
(i) federal law or rule permits otherwise; or
(ii) the requirements would prohibit the Division of Child and Family Services or a
court from placing a child with:
(A) a noncustodial parent under Section 
62A-4a-209
, 
78A-6-307
, or 
78A-6-307.5
; or
(B) a relative, other than a noncustodial parent, under Section 
62A-4a-209
, 
78A-6-307
,
or 
78A-6-307.5
, pending completion of the background check described in Subsection (5).
(c) Notwithstanding Subsections (5) through (9), the office shall deny a clearance to an
applicant seeking a position in a congregate care [
facility
] 
program
, an applicant for a one-time
adoption, an applicant to become a prospective foster parent, or an applicant to become a
prospective adoptive parent if the applicant has been convicted of:
(i) a felony involving conduct that constitutes any of the following:
(A) child abuse, as described in Section 
76-5-109
;
(B) commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, as described in Section
76-5-109.1
;
(C) abuse or neglect of a child with a disability, as described in Section 
76-5-110
;
(D) endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult, as described in Section 
76-5-112.5
;
(E) aggravated murder, as described in Section 
76-5-202
;
(F) murder, as described in Section 
76-5-203
;
(G) manslaughter, as described in Section 
76-5-205
;
(H) child abuse homicide, as described in Section 
76-5-208
;
(I) homicide by assault, as described in Section 
76-5-209
;
(J) kidnapping, as described in Section 
76-5-301
;
(K) child kidnapping, as described in Section 
76-5-301.1
;
(L) aggravated kidnapping, as described in Section 
76-5-302
;
(M) human trafficking of a child, as described in Section 
76-5-308.5
;
(N) an offense described in Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses;
(O) sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Section 
76-5b-201
;
(P) aggravated arson, as described in Section 
76-6-103
;
(Q) aggravated burglary, as described in Section 
76-6-203
;
(R) aggravated robbery, as described in Section 
76-6-302
; or
(S) domestic violence, as described in Section 
77-36-1
; or
(ii) an offense committed outside the state that, if committed in the state, would
constitute a violation of an offense described in Subsection (14)(c)(i).
(d) Notwithstanding Subsections (5) through (9), the office shall deny a license or
license renewal to a prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent if, within the five
years immediately preceding the day on which the individual's application or license would
otherwise be approved, the applicant was convicted of a felony involving conduct that
constitutes a violation of any of the following:
(i) aggravated assault, as described in Section 
76-5-103
;
(ii) aggravated assault by a prisoner, as described in Section 
76-5-103.5
;
(iii) mayhem, as described in Section 
76-5-105
;
(iv) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37, Utah Controlled Substances Act;
(v) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37a, Utah Drug Paraphernalia Act;
(vi) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37b, Imitation Controlled Substances
Act;
(vii) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37c, Utah Controlled Substance
Precursor Act; or
(viii) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act.
(e) In addition to the circumstances described in Subsection (6)(a), the office shall
conduct the comprehensive review of an applicant's background check pursuant to this section
if the registry check described in Subsection (14)(a) indicates that the individual is listed in a
child abuse and neglect registry of another state as having a substantiated or supported finding
of a severe type of child abuse or neglect as defined in Section 
62A-4a-1002
.
Section 5. Section 
62A-2-123
 is enacted to read:
 62A-2-123.
Congregate care program regulation.
(1) A congregate care program may not use a cruel, severe, unusual, or unnecessary
practice on a child, including:
(a) a strip search unless the congregate care program determines and documents that a
strip search is necessary to protect an individual's health or safety;
(b) a body cavity search unless the congregate care program determines and documents
that a body cavity search is necessary to protect an individual's health or safety;
(c) inducing pain to obtain compliance;
(d) hyperextending joints;
(e) peer restraints;
(f) discipline or punishment that is intended to frighten or humiliate;
(g) requiring or forcing the child to take an uncomfortable position, including squatting
or bending;
(h) for the purpose of punishing or humiliating, requiring or forcing the child to repeat
physical movements or physical exercises such as running laps or performing push-ups;
(i) spanking, hitting, shaking, or otherwise engaging in aggressive physical contact;
(j) denying an essential program service;
(k) depriving the child of a meal, water, rest, or opportunity for toileting;
(l) denying shelter, clothing, or bedding;
(m) withholding personal interaction, emotional response, or stimulation;
(n) prohibiting the child from entering the residence;
(o) abuse as defined in Section 
78A-6-105
; and
(p) neglect as defined in Section 
78A-6-105
.
(2) Before a congregate care program may use a restraint or seclusion, the congregate
care program shall:
(a) develop and implement written policies and procedures that:
(i) describe the circumstances under which a staff member may use a restraint or
seclusion;
(ii) describe which staff members are authorized to use a restraint or seclusion;
(iii) describe procedures for monitoring a child that is restrained or in seclusion;
(iv) describe time limitations on the use of a restraint or seclusion;
(v) require immediate and continuous review of the decision to use a restraint or
seclusion;
(vi) require documenting the use of a restraint or seclusion;
(vii) describe record keeping requirements for records related to the use of a restraint or
seclusion;
(viii) to the extent practicable, require debriefing the following individuals if debriefing
would not interfere with an ongoing investigation, violate any law or regulation, or conflict
with a child's treatment plan:
(A) each witness to the event;
(B) each staff member involved; and
(C) the child who was restrained or in seclusion.
(ix) include a procedure for complying with Subsection (5); and
(x) provide an administrative review process and required follow up actions after a
child is restrained or put in seclusion; and
(b) consult with the office to ensure that the congregate care program's written policies
and procedures align with industry standards and applicable law.
(3) A congregate care program:
(a) may use a passive physical restraint only if the passive physical restraint is
supported by a nationally or regionally recognized curriculum focused on non-violent
interventions and de-escalation techniques;
(b) may not use a chemical or mechanical restraint unless the office has authorized the
congregate care program to use a chemical or mechanical restraint;
(c) shall ensure that a staff member that uses a restraint on a child is:
(i) properly trained to use the restraint; and
(ii) familiar with the child and if the child has a treatment plan, the child's treatment
plan; and
(d) shall train each staff member on how to intervene if another staff member fails to
follow correct procedures when using a restraint.
(4) (a) A congregate care program:
(i) may use seclusion if:
(A) the purpose for the seclusion is to ensure the immediate safety of the child or
others; and
(B) no less restrictive intervention is likely to ensure the safety of the child or others;
and
(ii) may not use seclusion:
(A) for coercion, retaliation, or humiliation; or
(B) due to inadequate staffing or for the staff's convenience.
(b) While a child is in seclusion, a staff member who is familiar to the child shall
actively supervise the child for the duration of the seclusion.
(5) Subject to the office's review and approval, a congregate care program shall
develop:
(a) suicide prevention policies and procedures that describe:
(i) how the congregate care program will respond in the event a child exhibits
self-injurious, self-harm, or suicidal behavior;
(ii) warning signs of suicide;
(iii) emergency protocol and contacts;
(iv) training requirements for staff, including suicide prevention training;
(v) procedures for implementing additional supervision precautions and for removing
any additional supervision precautions;
(vi) suicide risk assessment procedures;
(vii) documentation requirements for a child's suicide ideation and self-harm;
(viii) special observation precautions for a child exhibiting warning signs of suicide;
(ix) communication procedures to ensure all staff are aware of a child who exhibits
warning signs of suicide;
(x) a process for tracking suicide behavioral patterns; and
(xi) a post-intervention plan with identified resources; and
(b) based on state law and industry best practices, policies and procedures for
managing a child's behavior during the child's participation in the congregate care program.
(6) A congregate care program:
(a) when not otherwise prohibited by law, shall facilitate weekly confidential
communication between a child and the child's parents, guardian, foster parents, and siblings,
as applicable;
(b) shall ensure that the communication described in Subsection (6)(a) complies with
the child's treatment plan, if any; and
(c) may not use family contact as an incentive for proper behavior or withhold family
contact as a punishment.
Section 6. Section 
62A-2-124
 is enacted to read:
 62A-2-124.
Human services program non-discrimination.
A human services program:
(1) shall perform an individualized assessment when classifying and placing an
individual in programs and living environments; and
(2) subject to the office's review and approval, shall create policies and procedures that
include:
(a) a description of what constitutes sex and gender based abuse, discrimination, and
harassment;
(b) procedures for preventing and reporting abuse, discrimination, and harassment; and
(c) procedures for teaching effective and professional communication with individuals
of all sexual orientations and genders.