(a) An applicant or licensee must submit a program statement when a regulation requires one, or when the regulation does not establish County standards or incorporate State standards governing residential care and services for the population to be served. The Director must certify that the proposed program of services submitted by an applicant is adequate and appropriate to meet the residents' needs. If the proposed program already has been reviewed and approved by another agency responsible for licensing or certifying programs for the population to be served, the Director may accept that review and certify the program.
(b) When a program statement is required, the Director must convene an ad hoc program review board to review the program statement of an applicant for a license except when the Director accepts a review that has been conducted by another agency. Each board must consist of representatives from:
(1) government agencies involved with the group home program being considered; and
(2) professional, charitable and social service organizations with experience in providing care for the residents to be served by the program.
(c) If an application to renew a group home license is pending, a board may be convened for program evaluation if the Director finds the program, number of residents, or needs of residents have changed sufficiently to require an additional evaluation or the needs of the residents have not been met by the existing program statement.
(d) Each board must consist of not less than 5 and not more than 7 members. A simple majority of the board constitutes a quorum. The board must keep minutes of its proceedings and meetings. Meetings of the board must be closed to the public to the extent allowed by State law. All decisions and recommendations of the board must be made by resolution in which at least a majority of those present or polled concur.
(e) The board must review and evaluate the program statement and give the Director its recommendations. In developing its recommendations, the board must examine:
(1) the nature, purpose, objectives, policies and procedures of the proposed program;
(2) the background and experience of the applicant;
(3) the experience and qualifications of the personnel operating and providing care in the group home;
(4) the needs and capabilities of the residents to be served, and the applicant's resources and procedures for meeting those needs; and
(5) any other information the Director considers necessary to accomplish the objectives of this Chapter.
The board must review the elements of the program statement and evaluate each application in accordance with the requirements stated in the applicable regulation.
(f) The board may request technical service, advice, data, or factual evidence from other agencies as necessary to develop its recommendations.
(g) The Director may approve or disapprove the program after considering the board's recommendations. The Director may or may not accept the review of another agency, as authorized in this Chapter. (1977 L.M.C., ch. 32, § 2; 1979 L.M.C., ch. 15, § 1; 1985 L.M.C., ch. 4, § 2; 1997 L.M.C., ch. 2, § 1.)