The Department intends to amend Rules 65C-14.003, .010, to require licensed child-caring agencies to have written disaster preparedness and evacuation plans in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

65C-14.003 Application and Licensing

65C-14.010 Safety, Sanitation and Food Service Requirements

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department intends to amend Rules 65C-14.003, .010, F.A.C. to require licensed child-caring agencies to have written disaster preparedness and evacuation plans in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

SUMMARY: The rules will require licensed child-caring agencies to submit a written disaster preparedness and evacuation plan with the initial licensing application packet and an updated plan at re-licensure. The plan must include where the agency intends relocate the children and caregivers in the case of a disaster and how the facility caregiving staff can be reached.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department used a checklist to conduct an economic analysis and determine if there is an adverse impact or regulatory costs associated with this rule that exceeds the criteria in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S. Based upon this analysis, the Department has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 409.175(5)(a), FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 409.175(5)(a)2., 409.175(6), FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Jodi Abramowitz. Jodi can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

65C-14.003 Application and Licensing.

(1) License application packets for a residential child-caring agency shall include:

(a) through (d) No change.

(e) Disaster preparedness and evacuation plan.  The written plan shall include the components required in Rule 65C-14.010(11), F.A.C.

(2) through (5) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5)(a) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(6) FS. History–New 7-1-87 Amended 9-19-90, 2-17-93, Formerly 10M-9.005, Amended 10-20-16, _____.

 

65C-14.010 Safety, Sanitation, and Food Service Requirements.

(1) through (10) No change.

(11) Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation Plan.

(a) Each licensed child-caring agency shall have a current written disaster preparedness and evacuation plan for each facility in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.  The plan shall include:

1. The location to which the agency intends to relocate the children and caregivers;

2. Emergency contact information for caregivers and the director of the agency;

3. A process for notifying the community-based care lead agency when relocation is necessitated; and

4. A list of emergency supplies that shall be maintained at each facility.

(b) The disaster preparedness and evacuation plan shall be updated at re-licensure and whenever any changes are made during the licensure year. 

(c) Each licensed child-caring agency shall follow the directives of its local emergency management center.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5)(a) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(5)(a)2. FS. History–New 7-1-87, Formerly 10M-9.019, Amended 6-3-12, 10-20-16,_____.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Xiomara Turner

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mike Carroll

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 24, 2017

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: October 31, 2017