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SF 248

A bill for an act relating to the admission of persons into residential care facilities, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Janet Petersen

SF 248 allows residential treatment programs to reject placements they can't safely support, enhancing safety and care for individuals in residential facilities.

Subcommittee: Klimesh, Costello, and Petersen.
#children #healthandhumanservicesdepartment #juvenilecourts #residentialcarefacilities #safety
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Bill Summary · SF 248

Summary of SF 248: Admission of Persons into Residential Care Facilities

Bill Number: SF 248
Introduced On: February 10, 2025
Status: Currently in Subcommittee (Klimesh, Costello, and Petersen)
Classification: Legislative Bill
Subject Areas: Children, Health and Human Services, Juvenile Courts, Residential Care Facilities, Safety

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 248 is to amend the regulations governing the admission of individuals into qualified residential treatment programs (QRTPs) operated by contractors under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This bill aims to enhance the safety and appropriateness of placements in residential care facilities by allowing contractors to reject placements that they cannot adequately support.

Key Provisions

  1. Contractor Authority to Reject Placements:

    • The bill mandates that all contracts between HHS and contractors providing QRTPs must include a provision allowing contractors to reject placements if they can confirm in writing that they lack the necessary security or support to ensure the safety of both the individual being placed and the contractor's staff.

  2. Prohibition of "No Reject, No Eject" Clauses:

    • The bill explicitly prohibits the inclusion of "no reject, no eject" provisions in contracts. This means that contractors will not be obligated to accept all placements referred by HHS or juvenile court services if they determine that they cannot safely accommodate the individual.

  3. Applicability:

    • The provisions of this act will apply to all contracts executed, extended, or renewed on or after the effective date of the legislation.

Impact

  • Contractors: Residential treatment program contractors will gain more flexibility in managing placements, allowing them to prioritize safety and appropriate care for individuals.
  • Individuals in Care: The bill aims to ensure that individuals placed in QRTPs are placed in environments where their safety and well-being can be adequately supported, potentially improving outcomes for children and youth in care.
  • Department of Health and Human Services: HHS will need to revise its contracting practices to align with the new requirements set forth in this bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services committee on February 10, 2025.
  • It is currently under consideration by a subcommittee, which will review the bill before it can proceed to further legislative action.

This summary provides an overview of SF 248, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders involved in the residential care system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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