7 AAC 50.040 - Inspections and evaluations by organizations or individuals

(a) The department may enter into an agreement authorizing an individual or a private or government organization to inspect and evaluate applicants for a license or renewal of a license under this chapter and to monitor facility operations if the department determines that the individual or organization is qualified under AS 47.32 and this chapter to do so. The agreement may authorize a local organization or individual to

(1) obtain a completed licensing application or renewal application from the applicant;

(2) inspect and evaluate the proposed facility;

(3) request sanitation and environmental or fire safety inspections from authorities if inspections are required by applicable regulations or considered necessary by the individual or organization;

(4) submit the application, licensing evaluation, and all related reports to the nearest department; and

(5) provide ongoing monitoring.

(b) An organization or individual authorized under (a) of this section may recommend that a license be issued, renewed, denied, or revoked. However, the final decision will be made by the department. The department will inform the organization or individual of its decision.

(c) An organization or individual authorized to act under (a) of this section shall immediately report to the department any noncompliance with a requirement of AS 47.32 or this chapter that might cause risk to the life or safety of a child in care. The departmentn will evaluate the report and, if the department determines that an investigation is warranted, will develop a coordinated plan for the investigation or delegate the investigation to the individual or organization.

(d) The department may withdraw the agreement entered under (a) of this section after 30 day's notice to the individual or agency if the department determines that the inspections and evaluations of the individual or agency do not adequately reduce risk of harm to the children in care.

(e) The department may enter into an agreement authorizing an individual or a private or government agency to evaluate whether individuals meet the caregiver qualifications established under 7 AAC 50.210 and 7 AAC 50.220 in order to develop a list of qualified substitute caregivers available in a community.

Notes

7 AAC 50.040

Eff. 1/1/96, Register 136; am 7/1/2022, Register 242, July 2022

Authority:AS 44.29.020

AS 47.32.030