IdahoH 07232026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

CHILD CARE LICENSING – Adds to existing law to provide for department oversight for residential care facilities, licensing requirements, facility documentation requirements, and the youth bill of rights.

Sponsored By: HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

CHILD CARE LICENSING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Personalized care plans and discharge summaries

Beginning July 1, 2026, facilities must record each child’s condition and history at placement, including diagnoses, needs, and any psychological reports. They must write an individualized service plan within 30 days and update it every 90 days. For stays under 30 days, the first plan must list immediate needs and services. Within 7 days after discharge, the facility must provide a discharge summary with the date, reason, needs, and treatment recommendations.

Quick reporting of critical incidents to families

Beginning July 1, 2026, facilities must report any critical incident to the Department by the close of the next business day. They must tell the child’s parent, legal guardian, or placing agency by the close of the next business day, unless a court order or documented safety concern blocks it. Facilities must keep an internal incident log with supporting records and protect privacy under HIPAA and FERPA. The Department reviews incidents, follows best practices for safety interventions, and publishes substantiated findings and enforcement actions.

Stronger inspections at children's care homes

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department does an unannounced inspection of each licensed children's residential facility every year. It also does extra inspections after substantiated complaints, serious incidents, prior problems, big changes, or patterns of noncompliance. Inspectors privately interview a sample of residents and staff that the Department selects. Reviews check the facility’s quality program, rights protections, and that the program matches its approved description and can meet safety needs. When violations are found, the Department can require fixes, impose sanctions, or refer cases, and it documents findings and follows set timelines for follow-up.

Youth rights and no retaliation in care

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department creates and updates a youth bill of rights for all children in licensed facilities. Facilities must post it in a public area, give copies to each child and to the parent or guardian at admission and on request, and explain it in age- and language-appropriate ways. They must document this, let children contact the child abuse hotline in private, and have procedures to help when asked. Retaliation for using these rights or calling the hotline is banned. The Department treats violations and retaliation as licensing violations and can set penalties.

Law takes effect July 1, 2026

This law takes effect on July 1, 2026. All covered people and facilities must follow these rules on and after that date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Doug Ricks
Republican • Senate
RabeTitle apvd - to House
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 28

House vote • 3/18/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 32 • No: 3

House vote • 3/3/2026