Minnesota Administrative Rules

2960.3050 FOSTER HOME SAFETY.

Subpart 1.

Inspection by licensing agency.

Prior to licensure, the foster home must be inspected by a licensing agency employee using the home safety checklist from the commissioner of human services. The applicant must correct deficiencies in the foster home which were identified by the agency. The licensing agency may require a health inspection if the foster home's condition could present a risk to the health of a foster child.

Subp. 2.

Fire code inspections required.

If one of the conditions in items A to E exist, the foster home must document inspection and approval of the foster home according to Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.011, and the Uniform Fire Code by the state fire marshal or a local fire code inspector who is approved by the state fire marshal:

A.

the foster home contains a freestanding solid fuel heating appliance;

B.

the foster home is a manufactured home as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 327B.01, subdivision 13, and was manufactured before June 15, 1976;

C.

the licensing agency identifies a potential hazard in a single-family detached home, or a mixed or multiple-occupancy building;

D.

the home is to be licensed for four or more foster children; or

E.

the foster home has a foster child sleeping in a room that is 50 percent or more below ground level.

Subp. 3.

Emergency procedures.

The license holder must give the licensing agency a floor plan of the foster home showing emergency evacuation routes. Emergency procedures must include a plan for care of children, evacuation, temporary shelter, and gathering at a meeting place to determine if anyone is missing. The plan must specifically address the needs of children whose behavior increases the risk of having a fire. The foster parent must give the emergency procedures to the agency, and the foster parent and licensing agency must review the emergency procedures during relicensure.

Subp. 4.

Pets.

A foster home serving children less than six years of age must not keep reptiles, chickens, or ducks as pets. A foster home serving children six years of age and older that keeps reptiles, chickens, or ducks as pets must require a thorough hand washing following the handling of the animal, its food, and anything the animal has touched. Pets in family residences must be immunized and maintained as required by local ordinances and state law.

Statutory Authority:

L 1995 c 226 art 3 s 60; MS s 241.021; 245A.03; 245A.09

History:

28 SR 211

Published Electronically:

August 5, 2008