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Health and Welfare consolidates developmental‑disability licensing rules into a single chapter, committee approves
Summary
The committee approved a comprehensive rewrite consolidating licensing rules for developmental disability agencies, residential habilitation agencies and related providers into one chapter to reduce duplication and simplify compliance for multi‑service providers.
The committee voted to adopt a consolidated chapter for developmental‑disability agency licensing (DDA) that consolidates previously separate rules for residential habilitation and other provider types under the same statutory authority.
Jared Larson said the rewrite eliminates redundant standards that previously appeared in multiple sections and that the department conducted negotiated rulemaking with stakeholders and advocacy organizations, which expressed overall support. "This chapter represents a comprehensive rewrite and consolidation of the rules governing the licensing of residential habilitation agencies and developmental disability agencies," Larson said.
Senator Zietefeld asked about a language change replacing "agency" with "organization" in background‑check provisions; Larson said the replacement was stylistic for consistency and not intended as a substantive change. Senator Wintrow said stakeholders have been largely supportive because consolidation reduces the need to reference multiple chapters and should make compliance easier for providers that operate across service types.
The committee adopted the consolidated DDA docket by voice vote.
