(a) The Secretary of the Department of Human Services is authorized to propose rules for legislative approval necessary to implement this article in accordance with 29A-3-1 et seq. of this code.(b) The rules:(1) Shall create a three year certification period for a foster home, unless a substantial change occurs. A home safety assessment is performed at least annually. The department has sole authority to determine if a substantial change has occurred;(2) Shall require that a criminal background check be conducted at the time of the recertification;(3) May not prevent the placement or cause the removal of a foster child for cosmetic damage to a residence. 'Cosmetic damages' means damage that does not affect the safety or wellbeing of a child; (4) Shall permit the use of dedicated sleeping spaces as appropriate for the childs needs and age, and similar to the sleeping spaces for other household members; and (5) Shall review and update the legislative rules while considering normalcy and the reasonable and prudent parent standard.(c) Notwithstanding the time frames in 29A-3-1 et seq., of this code the department shall revise the foster care legislative rules and shall submit for and the reasonable and prudent parent standard.(c) Notwithstanding the time frames in 29A-3-1 et seq., of this code the department shall revise the foster care legislative rules and shall submit for review and approval to the Rule-Making Review Committee by October 31, 2019.
West Virginia Legal Code