The proposed legislation is focused on adjusting the standards for providing out-of-home respite care services to children in Minnesota. The key points of the bill include:

1. Licensing Requirements: Services must be provided in a licensed setting unless specific exemptions apply.

2. Exemptions: Under certain conditions, out-of-home respite care can be offered in an unlicensed residential setting. These conditions include:

   • Completion of all required background checks.
   • Assessment of the home environment by the child’s case manager both initially and annually.
   • Approval and yearly re-approval by the child’s legal representative.
   • A limit of no more than four children being cared for at one time, with provisions on bedroom sharing and service duration.
   • Exclusive provision to children (no adults over 21 in the same services).
   • Restriction on the number of days a single family can receive services per year, and a limit on consecutive service days.
   • A clean licensing record for the service provider for the prior 24 months.
   • Only employees who have completed a background check are present during service provision.

3. Documentation Requirements: Service providers must keep detailed records including results of background checks, service dates and times, residential assessments, and approvals from legal representatives.

Overall, this bill aims to ensure safe and regulated environments for children requiring out-of-home respite care, with specific guidelines and exceptions that allow for some flexibility based on individual settings and needs.