September 4, 2009

Dear OCS Residential Licensed Provider:

In accordance with Child Residential and Adult Residential licensing standards, regulations, and laws, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is mandated to provide a reasonable measure of protection and safety to children, of the state, who are in out-of-home care on a regular or consistent basis.

To that end, this will serve as notification that the Department of Social Services is issuing an Emergency Rule which provides that when a facility's application is denied or a license is revoked, not renewed, or surrendered to avoid adverse action due to the provider's failure to comply with state statutes and licensing rules, the department shall not accept a subsequent application for that facility or any new facility for a minimum period of two years after the effective date of revocation, denial, non-renewal, or surrender or a minimum period of two years after all appeal rights have been exhausted, whichever is later. The disqualification period shall include the owner, director, and any affiliate of the provider. A copy of the emergency rule can be found at www.dss.louisiana.gov/ResidentialUpdates.

It is very important that you routinely access the DSS Web site for new licensing information and updates. In the future, letters may not be sent to you to provide updated information on licensing issues. Therefore, it is your responsibility to check the website frequently in order to obtain current information from the Office of Community Services Residential Licensing Section. You can access this feature by going to the DSS website at www.dss.louisiana.gov/ResidentialUpdates.

If you have any questions regarding this rule or any other licensing concern or question, please contact a Licensing Manager at 225-342-9734.

Sincerely,

Guy Sylvester
Residential Licensing