Foster Care Provider Medical 622-05-15-10

(Revised 3/31/2023 ML #3705)

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Prior to the CFS Licensing Unit approving a license, the applicant(s) shall submit the results of a physical examination (SFN 974), dated within twelve months of the date of the initial application for foster care. Foster care providers must submit their physical examination through personal health insurance. If there are expenditures above and beyond the insurance coverage, the cost can be submitted to the authorized licensing agent if the prospective foster care provider(s) request the financial assistance. Foster care providers licensed prior to October 1, 2019 are grandfathered in and do not require a record of a physical examination in the licensing file.

 

Throughout licensing, if concerns or changes occur for the applicant, an authorized licensing agent may require a physical exam. The agency will specify what information they are seeking from the request of an additional physical examination. If information is available from a previous medical examination, the authorized licensing agent may request the applicant sign a Release of Information (SFN 1059) to receive necessary reports from a medical provider.

 

Annually

Foster care providers shall submit a Declaration of Good Health (Licensing Packet SFN 1037) each year. In addition, each member of the household, including children of the family foster home, except for any child in foster care, must complete the declaration of good health.

 

Immunizations

The declaration of good health requires updates of immunizations for all residents living in the home, except any child in foster care. It is recommended all members of the household be up to date on immunizations as recommended by a health care professional, unless the immunization is contrary to the person’s health as documented by a health care professional or the person provides written documentation that immunizations are against their religious, philosophical, or moral beliefs. Foster care providers specializing in the care of medically fragile infants and children may be required to receive specific vaccines if the needs of the child require such precaution, such as the influenza or pertussis.

 

Behavioral Health and Therapeutic Services

Behavioral health and therapeutic services are common interventions for adults and children. The CFS Licensing Unit supports engaging in behavioral health services and encourages ongoing participation as needed. Licensing Specialists are required to assess and address the behavioral health needs of the applicants and household members. This is managed through the initial assessment by reviewing current and historical therapy and counseling services. Annually thereafter, licensing specialists review the self-declaration for good health, medication use, and assess any changes to services or needs. Throughout the assessment, if there are concerns regarding needs of the prospective or current foster care provider/s or household member, the authorized licensing agent or the CFS Licensing Unit has authority to request a statement of support from the individual’s therapist or medical professional.

  1. The statement of support is intended to gain supplemental information as well as ensure awareness to the therapist or medical professional that the individual is seeking to participate in providing foster care. Foster care providers engage daily with traumatized children, which can present triggers to past life experiences. The statement of support does not require therapeutic notes or details, only agreement or disagreement of the named individual’s ability to perform the duties of a foster care provider.

  2. Psychological testing on any resident of the home may be required as determined necessary. The cost of any psychological testing is the responsibility of the applicant/foster care provider if not completed by the Department's Human Service Center. The applicant/foster care provider shall sign a release of information for the licensing specialist to review the assessment.

 

Disability Services

Physical disabilities or age of an applicant/foster care provider does not impact the ability for CFS Licensing Unit to license a home, provided that the applicant/foster care provider can show that these factors do not significantly inhibit the ability to provide care for children placed in the home or to efficiently carry on the duties required of them. (NDAC 75-03-14-04)