An Act to Update the Laws Governing the Licensing of Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Sponsored By: Henry L. Ingwersen (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Stronger oversight at disability care homes
The Department can enter and inspect licensed facilities at reasonable times. It does regular inspections and investigates complaints, and can align these checks with Medicare and Medicaid surveys. The Department can sanction, modify, suspend, or revoke licenses and can seek court action when health or safety is in immediate danger. Facilities may share staff only with a clear audit trail; the Department can stop sharing if it harms care. Before a voluntary closure, operators must give the Department 60 days’ notice and give clients and guardians 30 days’ notice. The Department must set rules on staffing, training, infection control, client rights, records, and other safety protections.
Licenses, fees, and appeals for disability care homes
Operating an intermediate care home for people with intellectual disabilities now requires a state license. The Department can charge a yearly fee between $200 and $1,000, plus a nonrefundable application fee due at filing. Licenses cannot be transferred and become void if ownership changes. New operators may get a provisional license for 3 to 12 months; conditional licenses can run up to one year for new applicants and end immediately if conditions are not met. A full license can last up to two years. If the Department refuses to issue or renew a license, you can ask for a hearing. The law also defines two facility types: group facilities need under 8 hours of licensed nurse time per day; nursing facilities need at least 8 hours each day, 7 days a week, with 24-hour nursing coverage. This framework replaces the prior section 1812-K.
Trained aides can give some medicines
In nonnursing disability care homes, trained unlicensed staff may give medicines. Staff must finish Department‑approved training first. These facilities must follow Department rules for how medicines are given. This expands staffing options but adds training and compliance duties for employers.
Which places count as health facilities
The law narrows what counts as a “health care facility.” It now includes hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dialysis centers, and certain state institutions. It excludes nursing facilities and places licensed under chapter 1664. This changes which rules and programs apply to some providers.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Henry L. Ingwersen
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 237
6/10/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/3/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-185).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-185) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-185).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
6/2/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/25/2025HouseCommittee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
2/25/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-185), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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