The Department intends to amend Rule 65C-29.003, F.A.C., to clarify when a determination must be made as to whether a reporter to the Florida Abuse Hotline should be contacted for additional information.

 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

65C-29.003Child Protective Investigations

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department intends to amend Rule 65C-29.003, F.A.C., to clarify when a determination must be made as to whether a reporter to the Florida Abuse Hotline should be contacted for additional information.

SUMMARY: The amendment will require a reporter to the Florida Abuse Hotline to be contacted after the initial on-site response in specified circumstances.

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: 39.012, 39.0121, 39.301(14)(c) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 39.301 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-29.003 Child Protective Investigations.

(1) No change.

(2) Investigative Requirements. For every report received, the following actions shall be completed:

(a) A determination shall be made as to whether the reporter should be contacted prior to commencement of the investigation to obtain additional information on the child or family or to clarify information obtained by the Florida Abuse Hotline. When circumstances preclude contacting a reporter prior to commencement (such as when a concern for child safety and the need for expediency warrants a post-commencement contact) or when an attempted contact is unsuccessful, the investigator shall contact the reporter after the initial on-site response is completed.

(2)(b) through (6) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 39.012, 39.0121, 39.301(14)(c) FS. Law Implemented 39.301 FS. History–New 5-4-06, Amended 12-31-14, Amended_____.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Alissa Cross

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

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: September 17, 2015

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: September 11, 2015