ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL CHILD CARE RECORDS

House Bill 4549 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Kathy Crawford

Committee:  Families, Children and Seniors

Complete to 5-7-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4549 would amend 1973 PA 116 (commonly known as the child care licensing act) to specify that certain confidential records kept by a child care organization must be available to the following:

·         An agency, bureau, division, or other entity in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or a child caring institution or child placing agency contracted with DHHS, with authorization from the director of the agency responsible for child welfare services or his or her designee to individuals whose purpose is directly connected with the administration of child welfare services.

·         A national accreditation program, only while on-site, for the purpose of review and accreditation of a child welfare program, agency, or organization.

 

Currently under the act, these confidential records are available to the following:

·         A standing or select committee or appropriations subcommittee of either house of the legislature that has jurisdiction over protective services matters for children.

·         The Children’s Ombudsman established by the Children’s Ombudsman Act.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 722.120

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4549 would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.