It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 42-72.1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-72.1 entitled "Licensing and Monitoring of Child Care Providers and Child-Placing Agencies" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-72.1-3. Powers and scope of activities -- (a) The department shall issue, deny, and revoke licenses for, and monitor the operation of, facilities and programs by child placing agencies and child care providers, as defined in section 42-72.1-2.

(b) The department shall adopt, amend, and rescind regulations in accordance with this chapter and implement its provisions. The regulations shall be promulgated and become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.

(c) The department through its licensing unit shall administer and manage the regulations pertaining to the licensing and monitoring of those agencies, and shall exercise all statutory and administrative powers necessary to carry out its functions.

(d) The administrator shall investigate complaints of noncompliance, and shall take licensing action as required.

(e) Regulations formulated pursuant to the foregoing authority shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(1) Financial, administrative and organizational ability, and stability of the applicant;

(2) Compliance with specific fire and safety codes and health regulations;

(3) Character, health suitability, qualifications of child care providers;

(4) Staff/child ratios and workload assignments of staff providing care or supervision to children;

(5) Type and content of records or documents that must be maintained to collect and retain information for the planning and caring for children;

(6) Procedures and practices regarding basic child care and placing services to ensure protection to the child regarding the manner and appropriateness of placement;

(7) Service to families of children in care;

(8) Program activities, including components related to physical growth, social, emotional, educational, and recreational activities, social services and habilitative or rehabilitative treatment;

(9) Investigation of previous employment, criminal record check and department records check; and

(10) Immunization and testing requirements for communicable diseases, including, but not limited to tuberculosis, of child care providers and children at any child day-care center or family day-care home as is specified in regulations promulgated by the director of the department of health. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all licensing and monitoring authority shall remain with the department of children, youth, and families.

(f) The administrator may:

(1) Prescribe any forms for reports, statements, notices, and other documents deemed necessary;

(2) Prepare and publish manuals and guides explaining this chapter and the regulations to facilitate compliance with and enforcement of the regulations;

(3) Prepare reports and studies to advance the purpose of this chapter;

(4) Provide consultation and technical assistance, as requested, to assist licensees in maintaining compliance; and

(5) Refer to the advisory council for children and families for advice and consultation on licensing matter.

(g) The department may promulgate rules and regulations for the establishment of child day care centers located on the second floor.

(h) When the department is otherwise unsuccessful in remedying noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated under it, it shall petition the family court for an order enjoining the noncompliance or for any order that equity and justice may require.

(i) The department shall collaborate with the departments of human services, elementary and secondary education, and health to provide monitoring, mentoring, training, technical assistance, and other services which are necessary and appropriate to improving the quality of child care offered by child care providers who are certified, licensed, or approved by the department or the department of elementary and secondary education or who are seeking certification, licensure, or approval pursuant to section 42-72-1 or 16-48-2, including non-English speaking providers.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.